Serving Communities

Our employability and workforce development programs work to ensure that individuals have the IT skills they need for the job opportunities of today and the future.

Building Skills

By working with partners, we create training, innovative tools and opportunity for people who are underserved by technology, helping foster social and economic opportunities that change people's lives and transform communities.

Skills Training and Job Programs

Working closely with community and government partners, Microsoft offers skills training and job placement resources to help people be competitive and prepared for today’s jobs. These resources include e-learning courses for office productivity tools and advanced technical professional training through programs such as Elevate America and Britain Works.

Over the next two years, through the Elevate America veterans initiative, technology skills training, certification exams and other critical employment support services will be available to U.S. military veterans and their eligible spouses to help build the skills and access the resources that they need to be successful as they transition to the civilian workforce.

Learn More:

• Elevate America veterans initiative
• Elevate America
• Britain Works

Community Technology Centers

Microsoft also provides support to organizations that are focused on employability and workforce development. Many of these partners operate community technology centers which are found in a wide variety of locations, from remote rural villages to major metropolitan areas. These centers provide people of all ages and abilities free or low-cost access to resources that enable them to learn about computers, use the Internet, explore new careers, further their education, participate in community activities, and develop job-related technology skills.

Digital Literacy Curriculum

Community Technology Centers provide Digital Literacy Curriculum, which teaches basic computer concepts and skills. Available in 36 languages, these e-learning courses and assessments help people learn to use the Internet, send e-mail, create a résumé, and much more.

Community Learning Curriculum

The Community Learning Curriculum provides a foundation for teaching basic-to-intermediate technical skills. Intended specifically for Community Technology Centers and telecenters, the content is designed to help people develop skills that apply to real-world challenges and opportunities. Available in 21 languages, the curriculum is provided free of charge for noncommercial use in nonprofit Community Technology Centers and telecenters worldwide.

Partners in Learning

Microsoft provides IT training through our Partners in Learning program. Since 2003 we have reached nearly 210 million students and teachers in 114 countries/regions through Partners in Learning. By 2013 we plan to have invested $500 million in the program and have reached 250 million students.

Students to Business

We help connect businesses with students through our Students to Business program. Through this program we connected over 360,000 students with companies, providing skills training, industry insight, and job placement services last year.