Workforce Innovations

NOVA Service

Microsoft Funding Provides IT Skills Training

This fall, NOVA will launch Unlimited Potential IT skills training for individuals with barriers to employment due to deficiencies in computer skills. The Unlimited Potential program provides classes in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. Participants will be drawn not only from NOVA clientele, but also from clients of the more than 30 CONNECT! one-stop partner programs.

Microsoft is investing $1 million in this first round of funding in an effort to improve access to information technology and technology training for 250 million people throughout the United States by 2010. The company created the Unlimited Potential program to help close the digital divide by providing both access to technology and the training and guidance necessary for individuals to be successful in the workforce. With a solid grasp of basic IT skills, individuals will be better positioned to advance their employment and economic situations. Businesses, in turn, stand to benefit from the anticipated growth of the qualified applicant pool as a result of this essential training.

NOVA was one of a select group of Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) contacted to apply for this grant, based upon performance and community need, among other things. Funded for one year, NOVA’s program is expected to serve a minimum of 200 clients and 50 staff. Initially, the instructor-led classes will be held at NOVA in Sunnyvale with a plan to expand classes to other CONNECT! one-stop partner locations throughout northern Santa Clara County.

Microsoft recognized that even here in Silicon Valley, there exists a significant gap between those with IT skills and those without. And, given the high concentration here of companies involved in high technology and the number of occupations requiring IT proficiency, it is vital that the local labor force possess the technology skills necessary to meet the demands of the region’s employers.

In Silicon Valley, one group that NOVA believes could especially benefit from this training is high-risk young adults—one population that is less likely to have direct computer experience. In addition to the general public, NOVA will target pregnant and parenting teens and foster youth. Others who could benefit from the training include veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. NOVA is working with the numerous CONNECT! one-stop partners to ensure that appropriate individuals from throughout the community have the opportunity to participate in this training.

In addition to the populations noted above, training will also be provided to staff of the various one-stop partner organizations, because IT skills are often lacking within community-based organizations or public agencies as a result of limited or restricted funding. By enhancing the IT skills of program staff, Unlimited Potential not only increases the efficiency of the individual organization, but of the entire one-stop system, and instills the value of computer training in those who work directly with individuals most in need of these skills.

For more information about NOVA’s Unlimited Potential program, contact Program Coordinator Lisa Rijhwani by phone at (408) 730-7634 or e-mail at lrijhwani@novaworks.org.