Microsoft grant builds computer literacy and technical skills for Toronto job seekers
JobStart expands employment programs to include software training workshops
MISSISSAUGA, ON - September 18 2006 - JobStart, a Toronto-based not-for-profit community employment services agency, has opened a new Computer Learning Training Centre to address the growing need for technology skills in the workplace. The centre was made possible by a Microsoft Unlimited Potential (UP) grant. The UP grant allowed JobStart to introduce free technology skill development workshops to their low income clients, providing them the technical and software skills required to compete in today’s job market.
"JobStart is very excited about receiving Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential Grant," said Heather Sant, Executive Director, JobStart. "Today, basic computer skills are required in almost every field. This support from Microsoft will allow JobStart to add much needed computer work skills training to our array of employment services thereby increasing our clients' employability and employment options. The positive impact of the new Computer Learning Training Centre to our community will be significant."
JobStart is a recognized leader in helping youth, recent immigrants and experienced workers achieve economic self sufficiency. At the new centre, JobStart will begin offering tailored courses in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access to clients who have completed one of JobStart's existing employment programs. The new Computer Learning Training Centre comes equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated staff to help guide clients through the course content.
Microsoft's Unlimited Potential grants are awarded to community organizations seeking to foster digital inclusion by providing access to the latest computer technologies and training to students and lifelong learners allowing them to achieve their fullest potential.
"We realize that access to technology training is part of the solution and UP grants fund community organizations like JobStart that remove barriers to technology skill development training," said Gavin Thompson, Director of Community Affairs, Microsoft Canada. "Computer literacy plays a central role in furthering Canada's social and economic development, providing more opportunities for all of us."
Through the UP program, Microsoft is working to help a quarter-billion people around the world gain access to the technology, learning curriculum and skills training necessary to support employability and foster economic development in communities where they live. In Canada, over $2 million has been given to the Unlimited Potential program since 2004. Organizations that have received grants in Canada include the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Toronto's Frontier College's Beat the Street Program, Toronto's Dixon Hall, the Manitoba E-Association and the LOCUS project in Vancouver.
About JobStart
JobStart, was founded in 1980. It is a not-for-profit, community based agency providing employment-related services to the disadvantaged in Metro Toronto. JobStart's mission is to provide individuals with the necessary counselling, education and training to enable them to create, find, and maintain employment. JobStart has expanded over 25 years according to community needs to where it now offers a wide range of employment programs and services to a variety of target groups and serves more than 7,000 individuals each year. Visit JobStart's website at www.jobstart-cawl.org. To find out about JobStart's employment programs please call 416-231-2295.
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto, and eight regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. Visit Microsoft Canada's Web site at www.microsoft.ca
©2006 Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
