Microsoft Elevate America launches across Missouri
Thousands of Missourians now have access to new tools from Microsoft and the Missouri Career Centers at no-cost thanks to the Elevate America initiative. Gov. Nixon unveiled the Elevate America program today and showcased the free access to in-demand e-learning and certification programs from Microsoft, under this innovative public-private partnership.
Beginning today, Missouri is one of the first six states participating in Microsoft Elevate America, which the company initially launched in February 2009. Through this program, Missouri will receive 24,750 receive vouchers for e-learning and certification program to be distributed across the state – at no cost to customers. These vouchers will entitle Missourians to access specialized e-learning programs for various Microsoft programs and platforms, such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access Windows Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, and more.
“I’m proud that the state of Missouri is teaming up with Microsoft to provide cutting-edge, in-demand training that will help our citizens compete in the 21st-century economy,” Gov. Nixon said. “The world has gone digital, and it’s vital that Missourians have the knowledge and skills to land and keep the jobs of tomorrow. For folks seeking a new job, or looking to brush up their skills, Elevate America will be a tremendous resource.”
“This program is designed to equip people with the critical technology skills they’ll need to be employable in our changing economy,” said Tony Wilson, Microsoft Regional Vice President for Government Relations. “We believe this type of public-private initiative with Missouri will play an important role in helping to rebuild the nation’s economy.”
Missouri Career Centers will administer the program statewide, and vouchers are available starting today online. To obtain a voucher, Missourians should visit the state’s Web portal specific to Elevate America. To obtain a voucher, Missourians need only complete a short application, and learning can begin almost immediately. Missourians must claim their vouchers by Jan. 31, 2010.
A toll-free phone number for any Career Center in Missouri is available, 1-888-728-JOBS, for additional information on Elevate America. Locally, the Joplin Career Center may be reached at 417-629-3000 and the Monett Career Center number is 417-235-7877.
- Download a one-page flyer about Elevate America for Missouri (PDF)