Gov. Charlie Crist announced a new, major public-private partnership between Microsoft and the State of Florida to provide free technology training to individuals across the state. Through the Microsoft Elevate America initiative, Microsoft has partnered with Workforce Florida Inc. to donate to the state 40,000 vouchers for no-cost, online technology training and certification through all of the state’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards. The Elevate America program complements Workforce Florida’s ongoing efforts to bolster digital access and literacy and to provide resources to individuals and employers seeking talent development resources.
    “On behalf of all Floridians, I want to thank Microsoft for helping us in our ongoing efforts to prepare Floridians to work and prosper in our increasingly high-tech, global economy,” said Governor Crist. “These vouchers will go a long way toward making Florida job seekers competitive in today’s marketplace while preparing them for the opportunities of the future.”
   Each training voucher is redeemable for one e-learning course or certification exam. E-learning courses, available online, are self-paced and offer beginning and intermediate training on Microsoft Windows or on one of the programs in the Microsoft Office Suite. Also offered are IT Professional vouchers for courses tailored to the needs of individuals in technical professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management. Certification exams must be taken at Certiport Testing Centers.
    In its role as Microsoft’s “designated partner” for administration of Elevate America in Florida, Workforce Florida will work with the Agency for Workforce Innovation and the Regional Workforce Boards to distribute and track the use of the Microsoft vouchers.
    “Microsoft’s timing could not be better,” said Chris Hart IV, Workforce Florida President and CEO. “Our top priority is getting Floridians back to work, and this initiative is one more tool to help us do that across the state. In particular, we are committed to increasing digital access and literacy in Florida. Elevate America is not only helping us advance that goal, but it also is shoring up our efforts to raise awareness of the importance of digital literacy and access to every Floridian.”
    Vouchers will be available through all 24 Regional Workforce Boards beginning today through August 21, 2010, or while supplies last. All vouchers must be activated by August 21, 2010. E-learning vouchers are good for 12 months after the date of activation. Certification exam vouchers must be activated and used by August 21, 2010. There is no cost for the e-learning and certification exam vouchers. However, in some instances a small proctoring fee may be charged by a Certiport Testing Center, where exams must be administered.
     Florida is the 24th state to participate in Elevate America, a groundbreaking initiative to prepare workers for the demands of a 21st century economy.
     At http://elevateamerica.floridajobs.org/, the online portal for Florida’s program, Floridians can find an electronic voucher application, a list of Regional Workforce Boards as well as participation guidelines for their community. In addition, a list of regional Elevate America point staff and their contact information can be found there, along with a list of Certiport Testing Centers by region.