Technology Career Program receives early access to Microsoft Learn for Educators through involvement with Microsoft Accelerate

[Atlanta, Georgia, December 16, 2020] – TechBridge’s Technology Career Program – a free, part-time, 16-week technology training course will leverage the Microsoft Learn for Educators program.  TechBridge was granted access to the program via Microsoft Accelerate; Microsoft’s initiative to help communities close the digital skills gap.  Eligible educators and faculty members at colleges, universities, community colleges, polytechnics, educational non-profits, and secondary schools can access Microsoft ready-to-teach curriculum and teaching materials aligned to industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications.  With access to the tools and materials provided in this program, TechBridge will upskill and train Technology Career Program (TCP) students to obtain industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications for various technologies.

The first TCP student cohort with access to the Microsoft Learn for Educators program graduated on Thursday, November 12, 2020.  This Atlanta-based cohort studied and collaborated virtually for 16 weeks to prepare for a variety of Microsoft Certifications, which will increase their technical skills and employability.  Access to the program provides TechBridge instructors with leading-edge curriculum and training resources to empower students to attain cloud-based digital skills and certifications.  With Microsoft Learn for Educators, TechBridge will offer courses that prepare students for Microsoft Certifications like Azure Fundamentals, Azure Data Fundamentals, Azure AI Fundamentals, and Power Platform Fundamentals.

Darian Hunter, a recent TCP grad who earned the Azure Fundamentals certification, shared his experience in the program: “It’s been quite a journey, but it all resulted in me having the ability to add value at any stage of the development operation lifecycle whether it be accessing architectural solutions, using strategic management, or simply just developing web applications from scratch.  I can honestly say I am well-equipped, and I feel very empowered to tackle any of the obstacles the future may bring.”  Darian is using his newly acquired skills and certifications to seek employment opportunities requiring knowledge and experience in cloud concepts, Azure services, security, application support, and application development.

Antoinette Davis, a TCP instructor, shared her thoughts on having access to Microsoft Learn for Educators: “Microsoft Learn for Educators gave me the tools and training material I needed to successfully teach our Azure Fundamentals course.  Our students feel prepared to enter the job market using their certificates and knowledge gained during our cohort.  Their success was a team effort, and we are grateful for the support.”

The Technology Career Program serves unemployed or underemployed adults by training them with the in-demand technology skills that employers are seeking.  Microsoft technology skills are among those sought by companies, and Microsoft Learn for Educators is improving the process for TCP educators by providing industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications.  Since its inception, a total of 225 students have been accepted into the Technology Career Program.  The average starting salary for employed graduates of the Technology Career Program is $56,000.  This average salary is one of the key indicators that TechBridge graduates are transitioning from survival to stability.

“Early access to the Microsoft Learn for Educators program has been an invaluable addition to our TCP students and gives them an advantage in the technology marketplace.  As we prepare our students for a variety of technical careers, Microsoft Certifications are the stamp of approval that employers like to see.  We want to set our students up for success.  Access to Microsoft Learn resources and our work with Microsoft continues to help us deliver on that promise,” said Nicole Armstrong, CEO of TechBridge.

TechBridge is excited to continue utilizing Microsoft Learn for Educators to help shape the future of the Technology Career Program.

About TechBridge

TechBridge is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that equips other nonprofits on the frontline of alleviating the causes of generational poverty with technology.  TechBridge supports these nonprofits in expanding the impact of their mission for the millions of men, women, and children who are seeking aid in the areas of hunger relief, homeless support, social justice, and workforce development.

CONTACT Jahari Soward, Technology Career Program Director

EMAIL gro.egdirbhcetnull@drawosj

WEB https://techbridge.org/tcp/