ND, Microsoft form digital literacy program
The state of North Dakota and Microsoft are starting a three-year digital literacy program to provide technology training for students and adults.
Microsoft says this is the first time its education programs will be implemented across an entire state.
The company will give software to schools, libraries and job training centers. Microsoft staff will provide free training for students and new businesses.
North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple said it's important to expand technology training when the state economy is booming.
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"We know that we cannot continue to expand our economy unless we have people trained and educated to take advantage of these great opportunities," Dalrymple said.
A Microsoft official says the training initiative will also help develop the next generation of Microsoft employees.
Microsoft currently has 1,600 employees at its Fargo campus.
Microsoft says it doesn't know the dollar value of the initiative, since much of the cost will involve staff time.