State offers free computer classes
Goal of program is to train 2 million people in computer skills
By PAULA BARR
Daily Journal Staff Writer
Daily Journal Staff Writer
Published: Monday, November 09, 2009
Updated: Monday, November 9, 2009 9:47 AM CST
Updated: Monday, November 9, 2009 9:47 AM CST
Missourians no longer have an excuse to be confused about computers.
The state is one of seven to partner with Microsoft to offer free, online computer classes. Parkland residents who don’t have their own computer are welcome to take the classes at the Missouri Career Center, Ste A, 403 Parkway Dr, Park Hills (573-454-2191).
The partnership is part of Elevate America, a Microsoft initiative started in February to give out 1 million vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning courses and certain Microsoft Certification exams. The vouchers can be used to take computer classes online.
The goal of the program is to help train 2 million people in computer skills over the next three years.
Missouri will receive 24,750 vouchers for e-learning and certification programs in various Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Exchange Server. The vouchers are available to all residents, although there is a special focus on Missouri Career Center customers, job seekers, and any people who want to increase their computer skills.
Free beginning computer and Web design tutorials are available online without the vouchers.
In Missouri, the Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development will administer the program. Vouchers became available today. To receive a voucher, go http://www.mo.gov or http://missouricareersource.com. Click on the Elevate America tab and fill out a short application. The vouchers must be claimed by Jan. 31, 2010.
It will take at least two business days to process your request. Once you receive your voucher, go to http://microsoft.com/elevateamerica and activate the voucher.
Residents without computers may download the vouchers at the Career Center.
“The world has gone digital and it’s vital that Missourians have the knowledge and skills to land and keep the jobs of tomorrow,” Gov. Jay Nixon said last week. “For folks seeking a new job, or looking to brush up their skills, Microsoft Elevate America will be a tremendous resource.”
Tony Wilson, Microsoft regional vice president for government relations, said the program is designed to give people the technology skills needed to be employable in the changing economy.
“We believe this type of public-private initiative with Missouri will play an important role in helping to rebuild the nation’s economy,” he said.
After taking the class, participants take certification exams administered at proctored locations, which differ per class. Information on participating locations can be found at http://www.certiport.com/Portal/Pages/LocatorView.aspx.
Washington, Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland and Mississippi also are participating in the partnership.
Paula Barr is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 172 or at pbarr@dailyjournalonline.com.
The state is one of seven to partner with Microsoft to offer free, online computer classes. Parkland residents who don’t have their own computer are welcome to take the classes at the Missouri Career Center, Ste A, 403 Parkway Dr, Park Hills (573-454-2191).
The partnership is part of Elevate America, a Microsoft initiative started in February to give out 1 million vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning courses and certain Microsoft Certification exams. The vouchers can be used to take computer classes online.
The goal of the program is to help train 2 million people in computer skills over the next three years.
Missouri will receive 24,750 vouchers for e-learning and certification programs in various Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Exchange Server. The vouchers are available to all residents, although there is a special focus on Missouri Career Center customers, job seekers, and any people who want to increase their computer skills.
Free beginning computer and Web design tutorials are available online without the vouchers.
In Missouri, the Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development will administer the program. Vouchers became available today. To receive a voucher, go http://www.mo.gov or http://missouricareersource.com. Click on the Elevate America tab and fill out a short application. The vouchers must be claimed by Jan. 31, 2010.
It will take at least two business days to process your request. Once you receive your voucher, go to http://microsoft.com/elevateamerica and activate the voucher.
Residents without computers may download the vouchers at the Career Center.
“The world has gone digital and it’s vital that Missourians have the knowledge and skills to land and keep the jobs of tomorrow,” Gov. Jay Nixon said last week. “For folks seeking a new job, or looking to brush up their skills, Microsoft Elevate America will be a tremendous resource.”
Tony Wilson, Microsoft regional vice president for government relations, said the program is designed to give people the technology skills needed to be employable in the changing economy.
“We believe this type of public-private initiative with Missouri will play an important role in helping to rebuild the nation’s economy,” he said.
After taking the class, participants take certification exams administered at proctored locations, which differ per class. Information on participating locations can be found at http://www.certiport.com/Portal/Pages/LocatorView.aspx.
Washington, Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland and Mississippi also are participating in the partnership.
Paula Barr is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 172 or at pbarr@dailyjournalonline.com.
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