Veteran Jobs Training Funded by Microsoft

Microsoft is doing its part to train those with veteran jobs for a smooth transition into civilian life and work.

Microsoft Corporation is asking organizations to submit proposals for the Elevate America Veterans Initiative, which gives veterans and their spouses the technology skills and support resources necessary to be successful in the civilian workforce.

"Our servicemen and women who are separating from the military and reintegrating into their civilian communities and the workforce face a tough job market," Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of Microsoft Global Corporate Affairs, said. "We know that access to technology skills training combined with critical support services can help them succeed, and we look forward to partnering with organizations that can help our veterans and their spouses through innovative approaches to job training and placement."

Microsoft will use a competitive process to award cash, software and IT skills training curriculum to eligible veterans service organizations, workforce agencies, and other nonprofit organizations that provide veterans and their spouses with career transition services.

That support can include technology skills training, job placement, career counseling or other services such as childcare, transportation and housing. Organizations must apply by June 30 and winners will be announced in August.

Successful applications will include collaborative partnerships between two or more organizations in the nonprofit, workforce development, labor and education sectors. Applicants may request between $100,000 and $200,000 cash, but cannot exceed 50 percent of the total program budget, as well as software and IT skills training.

This is the first phase of the Elevate America Veterans Initiative, which will ultimately provide $2 million in cash and up to $6 million in software and other resources during the next two years to organizations that help veterans and their spouses.

A second round of competitive applications will be requested during 2011, providing grant winners a chance to deepen their efforts based on results from the first phase and scale projects that have been effective.

Microsoft also has created an advisory committee to provide guidance throughout the process. The committee includes members of The American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Service Organizations, and Wounded Warrior Project.

Microsoft announced the Elevate America Veterans Initiative in March. The program is an extension of the Elevate America program, which has provided more than 600,000 vouchers for free technology training in 17 states.

If you're interested in working for Microsoft itself, check out this employment and career video production: