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During the National Governors Association conference in Washington, D.C., last month, software giant Microsoft Corp. announced a new initiative, called Elevate America, that aims to provide up to 2 million people over the next three years with the technology training needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy. The initiative includes a new web site that helps students and others understand what kinds of technical skills they'll need for the jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities of today and tomorrow, and provides resources to help acquire these skills. The web site offers several training programs from Microsoft, including how to use the internet, send eMail, and create a resume, as well as more advanced programs on using specific Microsoft applications. To provide a broader range of training programs and certification exams, Microsoft also said it would partner with state and local governments, which will make these resources available to their citizens. Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of Microsoft Global Corporate Affairs, said Florida, New York, and Washington would be the first states to offer these resources to their residents. http://www.microsoft.com/elevateamerica
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