Community Action distributes Elevate America program vouchers

[September 02, 2009]  On June 18, Gov. Pat Quinn joined Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to announce a major public-private partnership between Microsoft and the state of Illinois to provide free technology training for up to 51,000 Illinoisans, beginning July 31. The governor identified the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as the lead agency to implement the Elevate America program in Illinois through the Community Action network.

Community Action agencies have been recognized by both the governor and Warren Ribley, director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, as partners capable of assisting in this opportunity for low-income individuals by distributing vouchers for computer training. 

Elevate America vouchers will be distributed by Community Action until Oct. 31. Online courses available using Elevate America vouchers include intermediate-level Microsoft Office 2003 and Microsoft Office 2007 training and advanced-level training for technical professionals.

"Microsoft is committed to improving access to the education and work force readiness skills required for 21st-century jobs," said Ballmer. "We believe these types of public-private partnerships are key to helping rebuild the nation's economy and getting people back to work."

To sign up for Elevate America vouchers in DeWitt, Fulton, Logan, Mason, Menard and Piatt counties, call 309-543-6888 and ask for resource specialist Anna Richardson, or call 217-762-2421 and ask for resource specialist Wendy Dotson.

Community Action serves low-income residents in many capacities, including the Community Service program, LIHEAP, Weatherization, Senior Nutrition and Transportation, Senior Home Care, Foster Grandparents, Community Services Block Grant loan program, and Head Start. For more information about Community Action, visit www.capcil.org.

[Text from file received from Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois]