Black-led nonprofits have less than a week to apply to be part of a $15 million Microsoft training program aimed at accelerating digital skills in minority communities.
Up to 50 nonprofits will receive up to $100,000 over three years for training purposes, according to information from Microsoft. Nonprofits must submit their applications to join Microsoft’s Community Skills Program before Sept. 30, according to grant organizers.
One of the motivating factors for the initiative is that many jobs lost due to COVID-19 won’t be returning, Microsoft states in its promotional material.
Community skills grant program
“Programs like this are vital to accelerating the distribution of digital skills,” Microsoft wrote on its program website. “On Wednesday (Sept. 2), Microsoft launched a new community skills grant program, part of the company’s commitment to racial equity and digital skills. It will include a $15 million investment over three years for Black- and African American-led nonprofits that are working to increase skill development and economic opportunities. The program includes grants, leadership development, and technology enablement.”
Aside from providing the names of organization officers, an employer identification number (EIN), and other basic info, applicants will also need to describe their program’s design, approach to training, and the vision and philosophy of the group, according to an application guidance document from Microsoft.
Microsoft quotes a 2018 World Economic Forum “Future of Jobs Report,” which states that advances in automation and artificial intelligence will increase the need for worker training.
“Among the range of established roles that are set to experience increasing demand in the period up to 2022 are Data Analysts and Scientists, Software and Applications Developers, and Ecommerce and Social Media Specialists, roles that are significantly based on and enhanced by the use of technology,” the report states.
Learn more about Microsoft’s Community Skills Program here.
A previous version of this story appeared here on the Dallas Regional Chamber website.
Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.
Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.
R E A D N E X T
-
43 percent of Texas workers say they'd leave their jobs if another company offered free skills training opportunities. In a tight labor market, Amazon's move could attract talent nationwide—including people like Tory Bias, a Dallas-based Amazon UX apprentice we spoke with today.
-
Two nonprofits will each receive $250,000 in grant funding. The Capital One grants are part of a $3.5 million commitment to 12 nonprofit organizations.
-
The Village Giving Circle at Texas Women's Foundation funds organizations and initiatives that positively impact the Black community in North Texas.
-
A new GolfTEC training center has opened in Southlake to help duffers straighten their slices and handle their hooks. The new 2,900-square-foot facility features four indoor training bays powered by TECSwing, using Foresight Sports simulators for lessons, club fitting, and practice. Each training bay is equipped with OptiMotion, a motion tracking innovation that "sets a new standard for how golf swings are measured and the way golf instruction is delivered," according to the company. Put off by your putting? The facility also has an indoor putting green with lessons utilizing TECPutt, a motion technology that analyzes face angle, loft, and path…
-
TCU alums Sophia Karbowski and Austin Patry opened their own healthy food truck on TCU's campus. Now, the business that became smoothie and açaí brand Rollin’ n Bowlin’ is paying it forward with a mentorship and grant program designed to boost student founders. Meet the three picks for the first cohort for "Bowls n Goals."
