High-tech giant Microsoft launched a new program Sunday intended to provide up to 2 million people over the next three years with training to help them succeed in the 21st-century economy. The announcement of the Elevate America initiative coincided with the National Governors Association winter meeting in Washington this weekend. The company will soon begin working with state governments, including those of Florida, New York and Washington, to offer training. An online resource that is already available provides access to several Microsoft training programs, including how to use the Internet, send e-mail and create a résumé, as well as more advanced programs on using specific Microsoft applications.
"At the federal, state and local level, leaders are working together to help start the engine of economic growth. The private sector provides much of the spark needed to jump-start that engine," Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said the city of Miami has worked for years with Microsoft to bring technology training to underserved populations and the Elevate America program will help even more people at a time when new skills are needed more than ever. More than half of today's jobs require some technology skills, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that will reach 77 percent in the next decade.
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