Alabama Department of Education and Microsoft Announce New Statewide Technology Program
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Posted By: How May I Help You NC on December 06, 2012 22/11/2012 02:16 The FINANCIAL -- The Alabama Department of Education and Microsoft Corp. formally announced the official launch of the Alabama Microsoft IT Academy Program. This new initiative is focused on further developing the overall technology skills of students. Alabama’s Microsoft IT Academy will provide opportunities for students to earn certifications in Microsoft product areas, such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. As Microsoft Corp. announced, this program will be available all high schools statewide and will provide students with the valuable 21st century technical skills they need to be successful in both college and their future careers. Gov. Robert Bentley said, “Offering industry certification to Alabama’s students will help ensure growth in our workforce. Adding qualified individuals to local businesses will improve economic success.” The Microsoft IT Academy Program will provide participating local school systems with access to Web-based instruction, software lab licenses, e-learning and official course materials. Course topics will range from computer basics to high-level programming and database management. Students will get hands-on experience with the latest Microsoft software and e-learning resources. This program will also allow students to earn professional-level workplace credentials and technology skills before they graduate from high school. “Through this program, we can assure business and industry of a skill set in the area of technology and ensure students entering college are equipped with the technical skills to succeed academically,” State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice said. Currently, one school in each school system throughout the state has been selected is participating in this program. Starting in the 2013–2014 school year, the Microsoft IT Academy Program will be expanded to additional schools. “The Microsoft IT Academy Program makes education more relevant to students so they can move from learning to earning,” said Cameron Evans, chief technology officer for U.S. Education, Microsoft . “Alabama schools, teachers and students are now at an advantage in keeping pace with changing technology and curriculum demands. The program also gives students equal access to the IT skills and certification they need to both prepare for advanced studies and to improve career opportunities with higher earning potential.” IT certifications are increasingly being recognized as valuable credentials nationwide. Many institutions in Alabama are requiring freshmen students to pass a computer proficiency exam. This initiative is important because it will help Alabama’s students be better prepared for their futures. The Microsoft IT Academy Program works to bridge the gap between education and the real world of work by helping to equip students with the technology-based skills they’ll need for successful careers in today’s highly competitive job market. Students will have access to official course materials that can help them prepare to acquire industry-recognized Microsoft Office Specialist, Microsoft Technology Associate or Microsoft Certified Professional certifications. The program also focuses on helping students become both college- and career-ready. Source: http://finchannel.com/Main_News/B_Schools/... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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