Microsoft will provide every Virginia high school student with technology skills under a new partnership with the state.
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the deal Wednesday, citing his administration’s focus on improving science, technology, engineering and math skills in the classroom. Teachers will receive training in addition to students.
“In today’s global economy, it is essential that our students are prepared for the skilled and technical jobs that are driving job growth today and will continue to be important economic drivers in the future,” McDonnell said in a statement. “The Microsoft IT Academy brings greater technology to the classroom and ensures that students in every corner of the commonwealth have access to a quality technology education.”
According to Microsoft’s website, the academy is a “subscription-based membership program.” Calls to the governor’s staff and the company about the cost of the subscription were not immediately returned.
Implementation of the program will come in phases, with 30 high schools and nine regional career and technical education centers scheduled to participate this fall, including Edison High, Marshall High and Westfield High in Fairfax County; Technical Education and Career Center, Washington and Lee High, Wakefield High and Yorktown High in Arlington County; C.S. Monroe Technology Center in Loudon County; and Battlefield High and Forest Park High in Prince William County.
It is the administration’s intent that all schools incorporate the training by the end of the school year. Virginia is the third state to join the Microsoft IT Academy Program.