Logan County High School is excited to announce the launch of the Microsoft IT Academy program in the school’s Business and Marketing Department, to better equip our students with the real world technology skills needed to thrive in the 21 century economy. LCHS joins more than 15,000 Microsoft IT Academies from around the world. Over 100 LCHS Business and Marketing students will have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access, without the need to leave campus.
“We’re committed to providing our students with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills so they can pursue higher education, and secure jobs that contribute to the statewide economy and our local community,” said Abbi Lillard, LCHS business instructor. “Our membership in the Microsoft IT Academy program enables us to provide a road map to technology proficiency and industry recognized Microsoft Certification credentials keeping pace with what today’s employers are looking for and sets our students up for future success.”
In 2012, the International Data Corporation (IDC) released a global focused on 600 Information Technology (IT) hiring managers and the challenges faced in hiring skilled workers. According to the study, lack of certification, training and experience were the three top reasons given by the hiring managers for unfilled positions. The Microsoft IT Academy program bridges this gap and connecting the worlds of education and work. It is a comprehensive program that supports ongoing technology education for students, teachers and other education professionals spanning computer basics to high-level programming, along with information and communications technology management using Microsoft technologies. The program’s resources include access to online learning content, Official Microsoft Course titles, course materials and curriculum, and instructor tools.
“Microsoft is committed to empowering students and teachers around the world to reach their full potential,” said Alison Cunard, general manager for Microsoft Learning Experience. “By combining education and cutting-edge technology, the Microsoft IT Academy helps enable success and prosperity in an evolving global economy.”
Logan County High School’s involvement with the Microsoft IT Academy provides a convenient and flexible learning environment where our students receive hands-on experience with the latest technology to gain a competitive edge in today’s job market or the next step in their academics. IDC has estimated that today there are nearly 30 million IT positions needing skilled employees, the LCHS Business and Marketing Department are busy doing its part to see that Logan County students will be ready to help meet this need.