Accelerating IT Skills and Workforce Development Across Chicago

 

By Janet Kennedy, General Manager, Midwest District, Microsoft Corporation

 

In today’s information-based economy, employers are increasingly in need of workers who can use digital technology to communicate, collaborate and work as effectively and productively as possible. Experts have predicted that by the year 2014, more than three out of every four jobs in the United States will require some level of computing skill.

This growing demand for workers skilled in information and communications technology (ICT) underscores the need for workforce development programs that can equip unemployed or underemployed Americans with basic computer knowledge, business skills and other career development resources.

The nonprofit organization Lumity is helping to significantly expand technology access, computer skills training and workforce development opportunities for underserved Chicagoans through a unique partnership with 19 other local nonprofits that run community technology centers (CTCs) in the area. The Lumity CTC Accelerator Program provides these centers with computers and software, technology consulting, course materials, instructor training and other resources geared toward strengthening the CTCs’ delivery of workforce development services to clients.

Lumity’s support has helped Chicago Commons, a nonprofit agency on the city’s west side, to incorporate technology skills training into most of the courses offered at its Employment Training Center. Since July, 2006, several hundred people have participated in basic education and computer skills training at the center. Chicago Commons also recently began offering a course that prepares students to earn the Internet and Computing Core Certification, which signifies to employers that the person has mastered basic computer skills, software applications and Web tools.

The CTC Accelerator Program is just one component of Lumity’s broad commitment to sharing resources, best practices and expertise with more than 300 member organizations in the greater Chicago area in order to foster more efficient and effective operations across the entire nonprofit sector. Microsoft has donated more than $370,000 in cash and software over the past two years to help Lumity expand its offerings.

Partnering with organizations like Lumity and Chicago Commons to equip workers with essential technology and business skills is a top priority for Microsoft, which supports workforce development and technology literacy efforts throughout the United States and in more than 100 other countries. Microsoft-supported programs are helping prepare young people to become productive participants in their community and at work. And through partnerships with local organizations, people underserved by technology are learning computer skills at more than 29,000 community-based technology centers around the world.

As the world’s largest software company and as part of the global high-tech ecosystem, Microsoft has a particular interest in helping nurture a workforce with strong technology skills. Just as important, we support organizations like Chicago Commons and Lumity because they are helping to improve the lives of thousands of Chicago residents who aspire to more successful careers and greater self-sufficiency.

Learn more at http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/us/default.mspx  

Janet Kennedy is the Microsoft general manager for the Midwest District, which comprises Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Kennedy is responsible for managing sales, marketing, partners, systems integration and consulting for the district. She has more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing of business solutions to the retail, hospitality, and consumer packaged goods industries. Kennedy resides in the Chicago area with her husband and son.