Ritzville Public Library launches Microsoft IT Academy program

Ritzville Public Library has announced the launch of the Microsoft IT Academy program in Ritzville to equip students with real-world technology skills needed to thrive in the 21st century economy. The Ritzville Library joins more than 15,000 Microsoft IT Academies around the world.

“We’re really excited to start offering this free service to not only our patrons but everyone in the community and surrounding areas. This is a service intended for all Washington state residents, not just library card holders, so everyone from students to job seekers looking to learn new skills for a new profession, to older folks looking to keep up with their grandchildren are welcome to participate,” said Ritzville Library Director Kylie Fullmer.

The classes cover a range of topics, including introductions to Microsoft Office 2007, 2010, and 2013; Windows 8; advanced courses on SQL; SharePoint; Windows Server, and much more. Login information is available at the library or individuals can email the library at [email protected] for a PDF of the instructions.

These self-paced, online classes can be done from home with a high-speed Internet connection, or at the library where library staff can assist individuals. The library will be offering in-person classes to supplement the online classes, and are looking into becoming a testing center for students who want to become officially certified on a specific subject.

In 2012, IDC released a global study focused on 600 IT hiring managers and the challenges faced in hiring skilled workers. According to the study, lack of certification, training and experience were the three top reasons given by the hiring managers for unfilled positions. The Microsoft IT Academy program bridges this gap and connecting the worlds of education and work. It is a comprehensive program that supports ongoing technology education for students, teachers and other education professionals spanning computer basics to high-level programming, along with information and communications technology management using Microsoft technologies. The program’s resources include access to online learning content, Official Microsoft Course titles course materials and curriculum and instructor tools.

“Microsoft is committed to empowering students and teachers around the world to reach their full potential,” said Alison Cunard, General Manager for Microsoft Learning Experience. “By combining education and cutting-edge technology, the Microsoft IT Academy helps enable success and prosperity in an evolving global economy.”

Microsoft IT Academy will provide a convenient and flexible learning environment where students can get hands-on experience with the latest technology to gain a competitive edge in today’s job market or the next step in their academics.