Microsoft is looking to help people brush up on their job skills during the recession.

On Sunday, the software industry giant unveiled Elevate America, a program designed to give Americans the technology skills necessary to survive in the modern job market.  The program will help up to 2 million people learn everything from sending emails and using the internet to earning advanced certification in high-end applications.
Microsoft is partnering with local governments as well as public and private organizations to distribute vouchers so that much of the participation in Elevate America can remain free.
Beginning in selected states, users can receive free or low cost training resources, including career guidance and tutorials on Microsoft Office applications.
“Millions of Americans don’t have the technology skills needed in today’s economy. Through Elevate America, we want to help workers get the skills they need to succeed,” said Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of Microsoft Global Corporate Affairs. “We are also providing a full range of work force development resources for state and local governments so they can offer specialized training for their workers.”

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