Microsoft 2000 Program Leads the Way

The Microsoft 2000 program is one of the most ambitious corporate-educational partnerships in the country. The program’s far-reaching initiatives, implemented by the Redmond, Washington-based software giant, provide exemplary ideas for other companies that are eager to promote the growth of information technology. Some of Microsoft’s groundbreaking initiatives include:

• The development of a new re-cruitment video designed to dispel myths about the IT profession, and to encourage people from various backgrounds to join the profession.
• Technology training program for Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Program (AATP) instructors at high schools, colleges and universities across the country.
• Co-sponsorship (in conjunction with Servus Financial) of low-rate loans for technical training at Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Centers (ATECs), and AATP institutions.
• A joint effort with The Monster Board, a major recruitment advertising agency, to furnish an employee-recruitment solution via the Internet to Microsoft Certified Solution Provider (MCSP) companies. Employment opportunities can be listed by MCSPs on-line, and prospective employees can apply online.
• An online career aptitude tool at http://www.microsoft.com/skills2000/jobs.htm is available for the benefit of those considering a career in information technology. Questions help visitors recognize their own work-style preferences and abilities in eight different career categories. The tool also provides a technical training road map.
• Sponsorship of career expos in 16 cities in an effort to show MCSP companies better ways to attract more IT professionals.
• Sponsorship of the “Making College Count In-School Presentation Program.” The 1998 program will acquaint 50,000 high school seniors at 250 schools with ideas for success in college, and in the business world.
• A $350,000 donation to Green Thumb Inc., a nonprofit organization, to develop IT training programs for qualified unemployed workers, senior citizens or disabled people for such jobs as help-desk support specialists and network administrators. Green Thumb will be assisted by Productivity Point International (PPI) Inc., a technical education center that is authorized by Microsoft. The Green Thumb organization also works with various private industry councils in implementing training programs and in placing the eligible graduates.