Microsoft TechSpark: Growing economic opportunity across the United States

Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Rapid advancement in technology is creating new opportunities in a digital economy, changing how we communicate, learn, work and access healthcare and other essential services. But these opportunities remain out of reach for many in rural communities, small or midsize cities, or underserved areas of larger metropolitan areas. Five years ago, Microsoft launched the TechSpark program to accelerate economic growth in six communities across the United States and Mexico. Through TechSpark, we work with local community organizations to develop digital skills, support nonprofits and create jobs. Today, we are announcing the expansion of the program to all 50 states via a new TechSpark Fellows model. We will expand from our eight existing TechSpark locations to communities across the United States, honing what we’ve learned and delivering a combination of funding and hands-on mentorship and training. In partnership with a local organization in each state, we will supply a grant to support a TechSpark Fellow to spearhead local efforts. This new work will be hyperlocal and partner-driven. And, as we have learned, having someone on the ground from the community, and deeply embedded in the community, is crucial to driving change. We’ll focus […]

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