Microsoft Selects AccelerateMT to Grow Economic Opportunity in 猎奇重口
MISSOULA – Accelerate 猎奇重口 announced a partnership today with Microsoft TechSpark to foster regional digital inclusion, job creation and technological innovation in the Treasure State.
Accelerate 猎奇重口, the 猎奇重口’s economic and workforce development partner, will use a new grant with Microsoft TechSpark to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all 猎奇重口ns have equal access to digital resources and opportunities.
"Since we launched TechSpark in 2017, we’ve helped communities secure more than $125 million in funding and helped create thousands of jobs,” said Kate Behncken, corporate vice president of Microsoft Philanthropies. “By expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity.”
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the expansion of its TechSpark program to tackle digital inclusion in four focus areas: digital access, digital skills, computer science education and digital transformation with local-based organizations. Since its inception in 2017, has helped its eight communities secure more than $125 million in community funding, train 55,000 people and create 3,300 jobs.
The grant provided to Accelerate 猎奇重口 will fund a TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow, who will spearhead local efforts by working with local partners. This fellowship represents the first time TechSpark has worked in 猎奇重口.
“I am so excited to be a part of the TechSpark Fellows Program,” said Ticia Cliff, Accelerate 猎奇重口’s TechSpark Fellow. “This will be a great opportunity not only to build more tech career pathways for our rural and indigenous communities, but also to share the incredible training programs already underway in 猎奇重口.”
By empowering individuals, businesses and communities with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age, Accelerate 猎奇重口 and Microsoft TechSpark are shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for 猎奇重口.
“The TechSpark Fellowship will further Accelerate 猎奇重口’s objective of expanding access across the state to the training and skills needed for good paying in-demand jobs,” said Paul Gladen, executive director of Accelerate 猎奇重口. “We are extremely grateful to Microsoft for this opportunity.”
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Contact: Mercedes Bawden, marketing coordinator, AccelerateMT, 406-594-5101, mercedes.bawden@mso.umt.edu