An exciting announcement was made at the Create WV conference last week in Snowshoe - Microsoft awarded their third grant of $625,000 in cash and software to Mission WV, a non-profit organization dedicated to delivery a number of social services to West Virginians, not least of which is hands-on PC technology training.
Microsoft was also a sponsor of Create WV and has demonstrated a commitment to helping fulfill our mission of building "creative communities for the new economy."
Below is the official press release. Congratulations to Mission WV and keep up the great work!
Mission West Virginia Receives Microsoft Grant
Third donation of cash and software brings giving total to almost $1.3 million from Microsoft
Charleston, W.Va. – Oct. 21, 2008 – Today, Microsoft is awarding its third grant worth more than $625,000 in cash and software to Mission West Virginia, a non-profit organization based in Hurricane. The grant is part of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills program, an initiative dedicated to improving job skills and employment opportunities for individuals.
The donation marks the third installment of a five-year commitment Microsoft is making to the nonprofit organization. In 2006, Microsoft contributed $50,000 to Mission West Virginia and last year the company increased its contribution to more than $623,000 in cash and software to the organization, bringing the total donation so far to almost $1.3 million.
Mission West Virginia collaborates with public and private organizations, to help individuals use new and existing resources to encourage innovative social change through new local partnerships. For example, Microsoft’s support is helping disadvantaged youth and adults learn computer skills essential to finding work and helpful to parents assisting their children with school work.
“Through the assistance of Microsoft, Mission West Virginia will be able to continue our work to empower the talented individuals who are driving this state’s innovative economy,” said B. David Rogers, Associate Director/Chief Technology Officer for Mission West Virginia, Inc. “With a decrease in manufacturing and non-skilled jobs, the only way out of poverty for many people is to hone the technology skills employers and educators are looking for in emerging job sectors.”
"Education and IT training are vital to our state's economy, and it's exciting to see this ongoing and successful partnership between Microsoft and Mission West Virginia," said Rep. Shelley Moore Capito. "This is great news for Putnam County, great news for our state and great news for West Virginia workers."
The grant will be presented to Mission West Virginia by Allyson Knox, Academic Program Manager, Microsoft’s US Partners in Learning (PiL) program, at the second-annual Create West Virginia Conference on Oct. 21. Knox will also take part in the conference speaking on “What is a Creative Job? What is a Creative Worker?”
“Microsoft’s grant to Mission West Virginia is a testament to our continuing relationship within the community,” Knox said. “Our investment through this organization will empower the local workforce by encouraging the growth of IT skills resulting in economic self-sufficiency through jobs and entrepreneurship.”
Representatives from local government, education, business and cultural organizations will be in attendance at the Create West Virginia Conference alongside West Virginia-based artists, writers, designers, entrepreneurs and other statewide influential leaders.
“We are moving West Virginia forward by building partnerships among business, education, government and our community organizations,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “Microsoft’s support of Mission West Virginia and Create West Virginia is helping to create a brighter future for the state and our citizens by helping us develop a 21st century economy and the workforce to support it.”
The grant is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to support the state of West Virginia. Since 2003, the company has given and matched employee gifts totaling more than $4.2 million in cash, curriculum and software in the state of West Virginia. Microsoft and its employees support community organizations, educational institutions and human service agencies across West Virginia with grants of cash, software, and curriculum, as well as employee volunteer hours.
About Microsoft Unlimited Potential-Community Technology Skills program
Microsoft Unlimited Potential – Community Technology Skills program is a global community-based learning program focused on extending IT-skills and economic opportunities to enable young people and adults to realize their potential. Through cash grants, software donations, technology solutions, and specialized curriculum, the program supports community technology centers across the U.S. and around the world. http://www.microsoft.com/giving
About Mission West Virginia
Mission West Virginia, a non-profit organization that collaborates with public and private entities, particularly faith communities, equipping them to utilize existing resources to form new partnerships, encourage innovative social change, and build stronger communities in West Virginia. For more information, please visit: http://www.missionwv.org
About Microsoft: Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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Mary Esler
Airfoil Public Relations
Office: 248-304-1437
Mobile: 586-855-4630
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