Q.

What is Elevate America?

A.

To help strengthen the U.S. economy and provide individuals with workforce-readiness skills and technology training for the jobs of the twenty-first century, Elevate America provides a collection of free and low-cost training and resources. A wide variety of training and resources are available to anyone through this Web site.

As part of the Elevate America effort, Microsoft is providing 1 million vouchers to states for no-cost access to Microsoft E-Learning courses and select Microsoft Business Certification exams.

This comprehensive offering also includes:

• Expanded access to basic technology literacy and skills training.

Basic-level information-technology training resources through Microsoft Unlimited Potential and Digital Literacy curricula.

• Intermediate technology-skills training courses, plus selected certification exams.

Vouchers for e-learning course collections offered by Microsoft.

Vouchers for certification exams leading to Microsoft Business Certification.

• Discounted membership rates for Microsoft IT Academy program participating institutions.

In addition to offering no-cost training, participating governments can choose to make additional Microsoft training and certifications available to general consumers through a low-cost purchase beyond the initial voucher allocation, to help up-skill and re-skill individuals to meet the needs of employers.

• View the list of states offering vouchers through Elevate America
• Learn about the Elevate America program
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Q.

What is a "voucher"? What is an "access code"?

A.

A voucher contains a code that is provided by Microsoft as part of Elevate America through government-designated agencies. This access code enables you to participate in training resources and certification exams for no cost. Vouchers are used to activate an e-learning collection (an online training course) and Microsoft Certifications (an industry-standard validation of your training).

Q.

Who is eligible to participate in Elevate America?

A.

That's the great thing—everyone is eligible. Whether you are currently employed and simply want to brush up on your technology skills or are in the market for a career, Elevate America can help. Much of the training and resources are already available to everyone through this Web site. In addition, many states are—or soon will be—offering vouchers for free access to Microsoft E-Learning courses and select Microsoft Certification exams.

• View the list of states offering vouchers through Elevate America
• Learn more about the Elevate America program
•  

A.

This Elevate America Web site highlights resources that individuals can take advantage of today. To access these free resources, select the option in the navigation menu that most applies to you.

In addition, Microsoft will work with each state that is interested to establish the process for an individual to request a free voucher for Microsoft E-Learning or a free voucher for a certification exam leading to a Microsoft Business Certification.

Q.

What types of training are being offered?

A.

Microsoft is offering a range of e-learning and instructor-led training based on the needs of each state and community partner.

• Basic digital literacy through the Microsoft Unlimited Potential and Digital Literacy curricula, offered as self-paced training for individuals or through community partners
• Resources aligned with Microsoft Business Certification—including specific e-learning courses leading to Microsoft Office Specialist (Microsoft Office 2003) and Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system) Certification
• Technical professional e-learning course resources aligned with Microsoft Certified Professional Student and educator resources to prepare students for successful careers
• Discounted membership fees to IT Academy participating institutions to expand the capacity to provide in-classroom IT training

Q.

What credentials and certifications are offered?

A.

Individuals have several options, depending on their current needs and skill level. Elevate America will offer everything from certificates of completion for the basic technology training courses (for example, basic Web navigation) to more-formal Microsoft Business Certifications (Microsoft Office Outlook, Office Excel, Office Access). These credentials will be offered at no cost.

Q.

Why should I consider earning a Microsoft Certification?

A.

Microsoft annually certifies thousands of technical workers around the world to validate their technology expertise and skills in using Microsoft products, a seal of approval that significantly raises workers’ value and attractiveness to employers. Microsoft has trained approximately 51 million software developers and technology workers globally over the past decade.

• Explore the benefits of Microsoft Certification

Q.

Can individuals sign up, or do they need to wait for their city or state to join?

A.

Individuals can access free training resources immediately through the Elevate America Web site. To access these free resources, select the option in the navigation menu that most applies to you.

In addition, Microsoft is working with state governments to offer vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning and Microsoft Business Certification through Elevate America.

• View the list of states offering vouchers through Elevate America

Q.

What kinds of "designated partners" will offer Elevate America on behalf of government entities?

A.

We expect to work with government-designated agencies that implement workforce development programs on behalf of states, cities, and counties, and with nonprofit organizations that provide training and other job-related resources.

Q.

I am a trainer and I want to train for the Elevate America program; how do I get involved?

A.

The Elevate America initiative and the Community Technology Skills Program are being implemented by government and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Trainers who are interested can contact local government officials or one of our partners for more information.

• Learn more about the Community Technology Skills Program