Upskill, reskill, cross-skill: Microsoft, Miami-Dade partner to bridge digital divide
Microsoft and Miami-Dade County officials announced Thursday a new program to bridge the area’s digital-skills divide and expand access to additional economic opportunities for Miami-Dade residents.
The officials say the program, Accelerate Miami-Dade, is “fundamentally different from other skilling initiatives”: Its model is based on an ecosystem partnership that provides upskilling, re-skilling and cross-skilling for in-demand jobs and a path to employment that supports their careers long term.
On the Accelerate website, users will be asked to take an assessment of whether they want to change or enhance their career. They will then be offered the chance to take a job development course through one of Accelerate’s partners, which includes online skills groups like General Assembly and Springboard.
“We are committed to making sure that everyone in Miami-Dade can participate and take advantage of the technology boom of our time by expanding access to learning opportunities that open the door to new, better-paying jobs,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a statement. “I’m thrilled to launch this partnership with Microsoft to accelerate our residents’ technology skills, especially in the most underserved communities. Our community needs better access to technology education at all ages, and this program will help us accomplish that.”
Virtual job fairs will also be held.
“As Miami-Dade builds its economy back in the wake of COVID-19, the Accelerate program expands economic opportunity and provides the skills needed to support an inclusive, equitable recovery,” said Deb Cupp, president of Microsoft U.S., in a statement. “We’re proud to work with our civic, learning and corporate partners to bring this program to the county.”
Microsoft recently announced its intention to open a new Miami office, with plans to hire an unspecified number of workers.
This story was originally published October 7, 2021 at 3:52 PM.
