CALIFORNIA (March 12, 2010) – The governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger together with Microsoft launched the “Elevate America Program.” The program aims improve and develop the computers skills of Californians to alleviate unemployment plaguing the state. It’s also a great opportunity to promote the company’s elearning tools.

California was one of the states that was hardest hit the by the recession. According to the state’s Economic Development Department, unemployment rate is still increasing from 12.4 percent in December to 12.5 in January. One cause of unemployment is skills mismatch. Industries like the IT industry need specific skills in order to hire individuals. What Elevate America provides is the opportunity to learn those skills so potential employees can be productive.

Elevate America was founded in February of 2009 to help the government with the recession and loss of jobs. The state of Washington was the first beneficiary of the program and since then, 13 states have also benefited, giving away 475,000 vouchers so far.

Microsoft will give away 166,500 elearning vouchers to Californians to help train and develop their computer skills. Corporate Vice President Dan'l Lewin expressed the company’s vision to utilize technology for progress. “Microsoft believes that technology can be an incredible catalyst for economic growth.”  The company’s ultimate goal is to provide enhanced training to 2 million Americans.

The online training vouchers that California received will include an online training session on one MS Windows Vista or MS Office Suite program and advanced skills training for IT professional wanting to learn Database Management or Web Development. For the professional in the IT industry, there are Microsoft Certification vouchers for one program.

Schwarzenegger held a press conference in Mountain View, CA for the project’s inauguration. He emphasized the need to address the crisis in the employment sector. "Creating jobs and boosting California's economy is my No.1 priority, and that is why I am so excited about this new public-private partnership with Microsoft. These free training vouchers will enhance the technology skills of thousands of Californians and make them more competitive in the job market.”

The governor praised Microsoft’s initiative and ranted on legislature’s lack of action. “Microsoft has jumped into action,” he said. “They are creating this public private partnership, handing out these vouchers; they are doing something about it. I think the government needs to do something about it. I think the legislature needs to do something about it.”

California’s Employment Development Department will be tasked to distribute the vouchers.



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