REDMOND, Wash., July 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft
Corp. on Monday announced that its Microsoft Software & Systems
Academy (MSSA), a 16-week program that provides IT training to
eligible U.S. active-duty transitioning service members, is now
operating at Camp Pendleton in
California and Fort Hood in Texas. The program was first launched in 2013
at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, where a third class is now
benefiting from the program.
With the addition of Camp
Pendleton and Fort Hood,
the MSSA is now assisting transitioning service members at two of
the five largest military installations in the country, as well as
the major Marine Corps base on the West Coast. With the expansion,
nearly 90 service members are benefiting from or have already
completed the MSSA.
On the heels of Monday's announcement, a ceremony will occur at
Fort Hood where 10 service members
who just completed the first MSSA class at the base will be
recognized for their achievement. Officials from Fort Hood, Microsoft and Launch Consulting, a
veteran-owned, veteran-operated technology consulting firm
administering the program, will be on hand to congratulate
them.
"These military bases are home to some of the most talented,
dedicated professionals our country has to offer," said Microsoft
Vice President of Military Affairs Chris
Cortez. "We've expanded our program because we want more
transitioning service members to have the opportunity to pursue
rewarding careers at Microsoft and other technology companies."
In the 16-week course, participants are taught by professors
from Saint Martin's University in Washington and Central
Texas College, using a customized Microsoft IT Academy
curriculum. Microsoft employees volunteer as mentors by connecting
to the class through Lync and Skype. Through interactive lessons
and mock interviews, participants receive training to help prepare
them for the final step: the opportunity to interview at
Microsoft.
Microsoft is focused on providing service members with
opportunities for training and employment as they seek new careers.
It operates a careers website, We Still Serve, with tips and
resources for job seekers, a list of Microsoft job opportunities,
and connections with Microsoft employees who are veterans.
Microsoft also participates in the 100,000 Jobs Mission, the
Student Veterans of America Success Corps and Hire America's
Heroes.
"Training programs like the Microsoft Software & Systems
Academy offer excellent opportunities for our transitioning service
members," said Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas R.
Gault, U.S. Garrison Fort
Hood. "The beauty of programs like this is they develop the
necessary skills that complement the talents of our service members
while they are still in the Army — skills that translate into real
job opportunities before they transition into civilian life. I
would encourage any company that is looking for tough,
hard-working, dedicated employees who demonstrate leadership to
consider hiring our transitioning soldiers."
"I applaud the leadership at bases in three states, including
Texas, for supporting a program
that prepares transitioning members of the Armed Forces to begin
rewarding careers in the technology sector," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. "In the Senate, we share the desire to
help these bright men and women translate their skills, aptitude
and military experience into high-tech careers in the private
sector."
The MSSA is part of Microsoft YouthSpark, the company's global
initiative to help young people gain the critical technology skills
required for today's jobs. Microsoft's establishment of the MSSA
was made possible by the 2011 VOW to Hire Heroes Act. The bill
allows service members to begin the employment process before their
separation from the military to facilitate a seamless transition to
other jobs.
"We supported the Vow to Hire Heroes Act because so many of
America's heroes are transitioning from the military due to the
drawdown from our engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Congressman John Carter, R-Texas. "Many service members already have what
major technology employers need — leadership experience and an
aptitude for complex problem-solving — and simply need to sharpen
their technical skills. We hope to see more technology companies
support a model like MSSA to help transitioning service members
apply their many skills to the private sector."
For eligibility requirements, service members should contact the
education centers at participating bases or visit
WeStillServe.com/MSSA for general guidelines.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide
leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help
people and businesses realize their full potential.
About Launch Consulting Group
Launch CG is a division of Direct Technology, a leading
veteran-owned and operated technology consulting firm that fulfills
the promise of technology. Veteran owned and operated since 1996,
they are on a mission to employ 1000 veterans in high-tech,
high-skill, and high-trajectory careers.
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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.