HOUSTON (April 6, 2011) – HoustonWorks USA is proud to announce it has been named a beneficiary of the Microsoft Elevate America program. HoustonWorks USA will receive $131,870 in Microsoft products to help provide technology skills training and resources that will connect local job seekers to employment opportunities.
Elevate America, a part of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential Initiative, is directed into multiple divisions of impact, including serving veterans, the unemployed and local non-government entities. Through nine HoustonWorks USA career centers, area residents are able to utilize resource libraries with computer access, online job search, e-mail setup and software to create resumes and cover letters. The Microsoft investment will allow the organization to increase and upgrade resources to serve the continuously increasing job seeking population.
“Innovative technology is necessary for HoustonWorks USA to continue building a quality workforce to meet the needs of area businesses and citizens,” said Larry V. Green, CEO, HoustonWorks. “This investment from Microsoft will allow us to provide our customers with access to high performance computers and software, which will assist them in their career searches.”
In addition to the donation, Microsoft will also provide HoustonWorks USA with resources, tips and tools to effectively utilize technology in serving clients and organizational development. HoustonWorks USA will also have access to key Microsoft affiliations that will provide partnership opportunities with other local and national non-profit organizations.
“Microsoft is partnering with nonprofit organizations across the country to provide individuals with the technology training they need to find employment. We are very excited to provide more than $100,000 in product software donations to HoustonWorks USA. We expect that this investment will assist those individuals in Houston who are looking for employment as well as support HoustonWorks in their mission of providing an educated and talented workforce for Houston-area industries” said Andrea Taylor, Director of U.S. Community Affairs, Microsoft.
“As the economy continues to be uncertain, those who do not have access to state-of-the-art technology are at an extreme economic disadvantage,” Chris Jones, Senior Counsel, Calpine Corporation and HoustonWorks USA Board Member, said. “By partnering with Microsoft through Elevate America, HoustonWorks USA will now continue to lead in serving our neighbors by helping them reach their fullest potential.”
About HoustonWorks USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, or use of the resource library with Internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston-Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
###