The Future World Summit in Seattle, hosted by Microsoft, was the stage where the Redmond company announced CareerForward, an online career development course available for free. For the time being, the initiative sponsored by Microsoft's U.S. Partners in Learning is limited to the U.S. However, the software giant is aiming to convince representatives from over 30 countries worldwide to implement the same program.

“This course will help students understand how to thrive in a global economy,” explained Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. “It also will teach them to learn online — something they’ll need to do throughout their work lives.”

Students enrolling in CareerForward will be able not only to deal with difficulties associated with planning a career, but also to gain an advanced level of financial literacy, as well as get an insight into globalization and entrepreneurship. According to the Redmond company, the free online course is addressed to students in middle and high school.

“Students and the career choices they make are critical to the talent pipeline and future business prosperity in the U.S.,” revealed Anthony Salcito, general manager of U.S. Public Sector Education at Microsoft. “CareerForward encourages the development of a skilled work force, as it helps young citizens explore global opportunities and recognize the importance of technology in jobs of the future.”

Built through the collaboration of Microsoft with the Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Virtual University, CareerForward delivers approximately 20 hour-long online sessions, designed to permit students to put together a career plan going forward. Microsoft revealed that the course should not take more than six weeks to complete.

“We are excited about the national launch of CareerForward,” said Jamey Fitzpatrick, president of Michigan Virtual University. “This innovative online course is something that every parent in the country will want their son or daughter to experience.”