Cuyahoga County transforms digital skills training for county residents with Microsoft
Residents of Cuyahoga County, Ohio,will now have increased technology access, and can take advantage of computer-skills training through a new digital alliance with Microsoft. This initiative will provide improved access to technology, digital skills training, resources for students, and implement development initiatives aimed at helping small businesses and start-up organizations. In addition, residents will enjoy improved access to issue reporting and other helpful county information through the MyCuyahoga Mobile App, a CitySourced mobile service request system built on Microsoft’s Azure Government cloud platform.
Executive Armond Budish announced the alliance with Microsoft today. “In our region, like everywhere else, the demand for digital skills has never been higher,” said Budish. “The strategic relationship we are establishing with Microsoft is an important step towards providing new resources and training to our citizens and new ways to learn for our students.”
Microsoft’s work with Cuyahoga County is part of Microsoft’s CityNext initiative to empower people—whether governments, citizens, or businesses—to transform their cities and their future. Through CityNext, people can take advantage of a broad portfolio of products and technologies, a global network of partners, and a long track record of successful education and social programs.
As part of the Digital Alliance, Cuyahoga County will work with Microsoft to provide:
- Microsoft’s Digital Literacy Curriculum – a “train the trainer” model on basic technology tools to help ensure a framework for residents to develop the digital skills required for many of today’s entry-level jobs. The county will partner with non-government organizations such as the county library systems, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Cleveland Housing Network, and Connect Your Community Program to identify candidate groups with gaps in digital literacy and close those gaps by exposing residents to digital basics.
- Microsoft BizSpark – an innovative global program that focuses on development and capacity building for county start-up organizations and small businesses by providing tailor-made software and services. The county will partner with entrepreneurial incubators such as JumpStart Inc, ECDI, Magnet, North Coast Angels, and Capital Access Fund to identify, support and accelerate the success of high-potential startups.
- Microsoft YouthSpark – an initiative that will broaden access to STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning opportunities for county students. Hundreds of local students will attend YouthSpark Live, a technology-exposure event where students will have the chance to take on technology challenges through small-group work, interact with Microsoft executives and learn more about technology-related careers. Microsoft is slated to host its first YouthSpark event in the Cleveland area on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
- Microsoft’s Community Connections Program – a free program that helps connect local business organizations with Microsoft partners in effort to educate the value of technology solutions so small businesses can grow their business and operate more efficiently.
- MyCuyahoga Mobile App – a mobile service request system powered by CitySourced that provides residents with improved access to issue reporting and other helpful county information. Built on Microsoft Azure Government, Microsoft’s cloud platform designed to meet U.S. government needs and requirements, MyCuyahoga allows residents to identify issues and immediately report service requests. With the app, citizens will also be able to pay parking tickets, report potholes, find and access park trails, and more. MyCuyahoga is available now, in time for the Republican National Convention, providing citizens with timely convention and election updates.
Ultimately, county residents will be more productive through this digital alliance with Microsoft. In addition, the county is now empowered to engage with citizens more efficiently.
For more customer stories, smart city solutions, and partners, visit CityNext online.
