Microsoft Supports Greater Englewood CDC and Alderman Cochran to help build pathways to success

| MSFT Chicago Staff

Digital skills have become not just an advantage but a necessity in every facet of life, from schoolwork to business development to personal life. Microsoft is partnering with Chicago’s Greater Englewood Community Development Corp. (CDC) to help the Englewood community get the necessary skills, tools and support to achieve digital literacy and create new personal and business opportunities.

Alderman Willie B. Cochran of the 20th Ward recently signed an agreement with Microsoft and Greater Englewood CDC to bring technological resources to Englewood Blue, a state-of-the-art technology hub and small-business accelerator managed by Greater Englewood CDC. Through this alliance, Microsoft will deliver four programs for the community:

  • Digital literacy training that will offer essential computer skills for citizens to help them start computing with confidence, be more productive at work and at home, and open up new career opportunities. Self-directed and self-paced, courses at the basic, standard and advanced skill level will be available in more than 30 languages. Microsoft’s support includes a “train the trainer” program to help Englewood Blue continue training into the future.
  • IT Academy curriculum and certifications that will be delivered in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. This curriculum is more advanced and paves the way to certifications and lesson plans to enable individualized tech education.
  • BizSpark training sessions for local entrepreneurs and tech startups, providing free access to software and support to help businesses grow and succeed.
  • Microsoft Community Connections, bringing businesses together with local Microsoft partners to provide technology solutions and support so businesses can operate more efficiently and effectively.

Microsoft’s goal is to support workforce development, individual career advancement and personal growth in the Englewood community. Through training and tools in schools, the workplace and daily life, Englewood residents will be able to take their businesses to the next level and pursue their goals and dreams.

Shelley Stern Grach will be joining Alderman Cochran and representatives of the Greater Englewood CDC, Englewood Blue and the local community at a lunch and learn event on September 25th, where the Microsoft team will share more details about the digital and civic alliance and the ways it will benefit members of the greater Englewood Community.

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