Microsoft aims to assist 25 million individuals worldwide in mastering fresh digital abilities
In response to the global economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, tech behemoth Microsoft has launched a far-reaching technology initiative aimed at helping 25 million people acquire digital skills by the end of the year.
The initiative, dubbed the Microsoft Global Skills Initiative, combines resources from Microsoft, LinkedIn, and GitHub to reimagine learning and applying new skills. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the initiative is designed to ensure no one is left behind in the recovery process.
The initiative kicks off with data on jobs and skills from the LinkedIn Economic Graph. It offers free access to learning paths and content on LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn, and the GitHub Learning Lab. These resources will be accessible online in four languages: English, French, German, and Spanish.
One-quarter of the total grants, or $5 million, will be allocated to community-based nonprofit organizations in the United States that serve communities of color. Microsoft will also use its voice to advocate for public policy innovations that advance skilling opportunities in the changed economy.
Microsoft is developing a new learning app in Microsoft Teams to assist employers in skilling and upskilling employees as people return to work and as the economy adds jobs. The app provides low-cost certifications and free job-seeking tools.
The biggest impact of the current economic downturn is being felt by those who can afford it the least. Unemployment rates are surging for people of color, women, younger workers, people with disabilities, and individuals with less formal education. The initiative includes immediate steps to help those seeking to reskill and pursue in-demand jobs.
In addition to the grants, Microsoft's global knowledge initiative provides financial support to organizations including the Wikimedia Foundation, the Internet Archive, and Creative Commons, with total funding amounting to approximately $500 million.
Microsoft is providing $20 million in cash grants to assist nonprofit organizations worldwide. The tech giant aims to combine the best in technology with stronger partnerships with governments and nonprofits to help people develop the skills needed to secure a new job.
The initiative also leverages data from the LinkedIn Economic Graph to identify in-demand jobs and the skills needed to fill them. Microsoft will make stronger data and analytics available to governments worldwide to help them assess local economic needs.
The resources from Microsoft, LinkedIn, and GitHub can be accessed at a central location, opportunity.linkedin.com. The Microsoft Global Skills Initiative is a testament to the company's commitment to bridging the digital skills gap and fostering a more equitable recovery.
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