14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has pledged no less than $15 million to 12 nonprofit organizations offering both training in terms of technology skills training as well as complementary job placement services to US citizens. According to the Redmond company, the donations are designed to cover the next couple of years and to reach over 16,000 people that need to adapt in order to be successful in the evolving, 21st century workplace.
Provided through its Elevate America community initiative, the software giant’s grants are focused on helping members of communities that are at a disadvantage compared to the broader population when it comes down to finding employment.
The dozen nonprofits supported by Microsoft lend a helping hand to women, young workers and people with disabilities, making sure that they can access career counseling, but also setting them up with technology skills training, job placement, etc.
Support services such including childcare and transportation are also provided to those that need them.
“Too many Americans don’t have the technology skills that many jobs today require,” said Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of Global Corporate Affairs at Microsoft.
“Our grant recipient organizations have demonstrated how they can reach some of the most underserved people in our society, and we’re honored to partner with them to provide training and job support to the people that need it most.”
Out of the total $15 million, no less than $5 million are a cash donation, with the remaining $10 million representing software products offered by Microsoft.
Through a variety of workforce development programs, the Redmond company and its nonprofit partners managed to reach over 23 million people since 2003.
The software giant enumerated the nonprofit organizations that are the recipients of the donation:
• FSW; Bridgeport, Conn.
• Henry Street Settlement; New York
• YMCA of Greater Boston Education and Training Branch; Boston
• Career Edge; Venice, Fla.
• Erie Neighborhood House; Chicago
• Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee Inc.; Nashville, Tenn.
• Twin Cities RISE!; Minneapolis
• Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties; San Francisco
• Brotherhood Crusade; Los Angeles
• The Stride Center; Oakland, Calif.
• Tincan; Spokane, Wash.
• TransAccess; San Jose, Calif