Today the Washington State Library and Microsoft announced a partnership that will bring Microsoft's IT Academy online training to Washingtonians, for free, at more than 385 libraries across the state..
Washington began offering IT Academy in Washington public schools statewide in September 2011 and now becomes the first state to offer the IT Academy program through both its high schools and its libraries. The Microsoft IT Academy is available in 15,000 institutions worldwide.
The Washington State Library Microsoft IT Academy offers three levels of technology courses: Basic digital literacy proficiencies, Microsoft Office training, and advanced skills for IT professionals. Participants can achieve certification following successful completion of a series of courses by testing at certification centers, or they may choose to complete selected courses without certification. Certification is at the participant's expense, while the courses are available without cost.
The IT Academy training program will soon be available at public libraries and tribal libraries and will be available at the beginning of winter quarter at community and technical college libraries.
