microsoft_logo

Microsoft is extending the ‘Elevate America Veterans Initiative’ which distributes free vouchers that will enable veterans to obtain e-learning and certification for Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010. The certifications work towards a Microsoft Office Specialist certification or select technical professional level e-learning and certification. The Vouchers will be available in the five communities in the United States with the highest number of returning post-9/11-era veterans. These communities are:

  • Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (Wash.)
  • San Diego Workforce Partnership (Calif.)
  • Houston-Galveston Area Council (Texas)
  • Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board (Va.)
  • First Coast Workforce Development/WorkSource Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.)

The extension of the initiative brings a total investment of $12 million cash, product and related support for U.S. veterans and their eligible spouses.

“Veterans have served our country bravely, have superb military training, and have developed valuable leadership, management and diplomatic skills,” said Brad Smith, general counsel and executive vice president, Microsoft. “We hope that by providing additional access to training and other employment resources, we will help close the opportunity divide for more of our servicemen and women, as well as their spouses, who have also made great sacrifices.”

“Transitioning from the service to civilian life is really hard, especially in this job climate,” said Corey Lewis, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and participant in the Microsoft Elevate America veterans initiative. “The resources provided by the Elevate America veterans initiative give veterans the boost they need to have a successful career when they return home.”

Microsoft is also giving veterans and military service members a 10 percent discount off selected items in Microsoft Stores across the country.*