Microsoft partners with Massachusetts: Offers 26,000 free vouchers for technology training

Microsoft’s Elevate America program has come to Massachusetts!  This program provides up to 26,000 free vouchers on-line for technology training.  Vouchers are available through June 29, 2010 so get them while you can.   The overall program that Microsoft has put in place is located at their web site,  Microsoft Elevate America.   Each state designates how they want their program to work for their citizens. Here is what Massachusetts is offering, from their site, “Overview of Elevate America Resources“:

Digital Literacy

If you are new to computers, Microsoft offers FREE on-line tutorials on basic computer skills.  It is recommended that you utilize these tools before accessing a voucher.

• The Basic curriculum features a course called A First Course Toward Digital Literacy. This course teaches absolute beginners to computing about what a valuable tool computers can be in society today, and the basics of using the mouse and the keyboard.

• Microsoft Digital Literacy Standard curriculum. Short tutorials on Microsoft Office 2003 or examples and screen shots from Microsoft Office 2007 and Microsoft Windows Vista.

The Advanced curriculum features several courses that expand on what learners mastered in the Standard curriculum. These courses explore core topics like writing a resume, social networking, creating an internet e-mail account, and searching the internet.

18,000 E-Learning Vouchers

• 13,000 individual vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning – Office Products (Business Worker): Each voucher will allow a single user to redeem one e-learning collection. An e-learning collection is made up of several e-learning courses. The voucher code can only be used once. Users can choose courses in the following curriculums:
  • Office 2003 (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook)
  • Windows Vista & Office 2007 (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook)

• 5,000 individual vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning — IT Professional Products: Each voucher will allow a single user to redeem one e-learning collection on a specific advanced IT topic (ie. database administration, certified systems engineer, web design, etc.).

8,000 Certification Exam Vouchers

8,000 individual vouchers for Business Certification exams: Each voucher would enable a single user to pursue a certification on the coursework completed above.  Microsoft will provide 3,000 for Office 2003 and 5,000 for Office 2007.

There is quite a bit there so if your computer skills or internet skills or those of someone you know are not up to par, this is a FREE opportunity for training.  This training can only help you in your current and future jobs!  Learn more at this link:  Elevate America America Program for Massachusetts.