Elevate America is Microsoft's way of providing support in response to the economic crisis. It's a public-private partnership that offers a Web site to help individuals understand the types of technical skills required for available jobs and the resources to help acquire these skills, including grants and vouchers.

"Millions of Americans don't have the technology skills needed in today's economy. Through Elevate America, we want to help workers get the skills they need to succeed," said Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of Microsoft Global Corporate Affairs. "We are also providing a full range of workforce development resources for state and local governments so they can offer specialized training for their workers."

A Public-Private Partnership

The Elevate America Web site offers access to several Microsoft online training programs, including how to use the Internet, send e-mail, and create a resume, as well as more advanced programs on using specific Microsoft applications.

Taking it a step further, Microsoft is also partnering with state and local governments, which in turn will make these resources available to their citizens. Florida, New York and Washington are the first states to provide Elevate America to their residents.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said the success of the Elevate Miami program in his state is proof that public-private partnerships can work and benefit citizens. "We have worked with Microsoft for years in Miami to bring technology training to underserved populations," he said. "Now, with Elevate America, we have the opportunity to bring these important skills to even more people, at a time when they are needed more than ever."

Microsoft Antes Up Vouchers

More than half of today's jobs require some technology skills, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that will reach 77 percent in the next decade. The bureau also reports more people than ever are pursuing Microsoft technical certifications. As part of the Elevate America effort, Microsoft is providing one million Microsoft Learning vouchers for free access to Microsoft eLearning courses and select certification exams.

This offering includes expanded access to basic technology literacy and skills training; basic-level information technology training resources; intermediate technology skills training, both online and instructor-led; plus selected certification exams and grants of cash and software to community partners to build in-classroom training capacity. It also includes access to a new Web portal that will help guide individuals to training and resources that position them for success.

"There's no question that getting technology training to people who are in need of and can benefit from this kind of assistance can't help but upgrade the technology skills in the workforce, which helps position the workforce of the future," said John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an executive outplacement firm.

"We are certainly moving from the industrial age into the service and information age, so equipping people with expanded technology skills is going to create a workforce that's more attuned to the 21st century needs."