Adult Workforce Education and Training Network
Microsoft Elevate America Program
Note: We are pleased that many individuals in Ohio have chosen to take advantage of the free technology skills training and certification programs offered through Microsoft Elevate America. Elevate America e-learning and certification exam voucher distribution ended on Aug. 26th.
On May 28, 2010, Governor Ted Strickland announced the launch of Elevate America, a major public-private partnership between the Ohio Board of Regents and Microsoft. The Elevate America Program provides 60,000 free vouchers for technology training for residents of Ohio.
Overview of Elevate America Resources
Microsoft is offering resources to build the technology skills of individuals in two major forms:
- Free, on-line digital literacy courses and
- Vouchers to increase skill development in Microsoft products.
Digital Literacy
If you are new to computers, Microsoft offers free on-line tutorials on basic computer skills.It is recommended that you utilize these tools before accessing a voucher.
- Basic curriculum: features a course called A First Course Toward Digital Literacy. This course teaches absolute beginners to computing about what a valuable tool computers can be in society today, and the basics of using the mouse and the keyboard.
- Standard curriculum: Short tutorials on Microsoft Office 2003 or examples and screen shots from Microsoft Office 2007 and Microsoft Windows Vista.
- Advanced curriculum: features several courses that expand on what learners mastered in the Standard curriculum. These courses explore core topics like writing a resume, social networking, creating an internet e-mail account, and searching the internet. WindowsVista and Office 2007 e-learning modules are available as part of the Digital Literacy curriculum. Choose this training if you are already familiar with a computer and are interested in navigating the core capabilities of both Windows Vista and Office 2007 with confidence. You can use the assessment tools for Vista and Office 2007 to determine where you need to develop additional skills.
Multiple languages: The Standard Digital Literacy curriculum is currently available in over 30 languages. The Basic and Advanced courses are in development and will be available in other languages in the near future.
E-Learning Vouchers
Microsoft will provide 60,000 vouchers toOhio for individuals to participate in intermediate technology skills training through E-Learning courses and Microsoft Certification exams. Each voucher equals one on-line course or a course collection or an exam.
- 26,500 individual vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning – Office Products (Business Worker): Each voucher will allow a single user to redeem one e-learning collection. An e-learning collection is made up of several e-learning courses. The voucher code can only be used once. Users can choose courses in the following curriculums:
- Office 2003 (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook)
- WindowsVista & Office 2007 (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook)
- 6,625 individual vouchers for Microsoft E-Learning -- IT Professional Products
- 26,500 individual vouchers for Business Certification exams:Each voucher would enable a single user to pursue a certification on the coursework completed above. Microsoft will provide 13,250 for Office 2003 and 13,250 for Office 2007.
Who is eligible?
- Ohio residents may request and receive a voucher. Individuals can be unemployed or employed part-time or full-time.
- Anyone with Internet access can take advantage of the digital literacy courses on Microsoft’s website. Vouchers are not required.
How are courses offered?
- This is an on-line program; no classrooms. An individual participates in e-learning course through Microsoft’s Elevate America Website and uses the access code to enroll. You need access to a computer with Internet capacity to participate.
- An individual can complete the on-line course at multiple sitesincluding an Adult Workforce Education Center, at home, or other public computing spaces providing access to a PC that meet the computing system requirements etc.
