Grafton High Among 39 Schools Chosen for Microsoft IT Academy

By Amber Lester Kennedy Thursday, September 15, 2011

Grafton High School students will soon have the opportunity to receive some of the same training given to technology professionals in an effort to produce students able to thrive in the 21st century.

The school was one of 39 Virginia schools chosen to implement the Microsoft IT Academy Program. Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the partnership Wednesday, saying the IT Academy brings “greater technology to the classroom and ensures that students in every corner of the Commonwealth have access to a quality technology education.”

The Microsoft IT Academy is a comprehensive program that supports ongoing technology education for students, teachers and other education professionals. The program addresses a wide range of skill levels, teaching computer basics, information and communications technology management and high-level programming. It features access to online learning content, Microsoft course materials, instructor resources and support materials.

The Virginia Department of Education is managing the deployment of the Microsoft IT Academy Program across the state, starting with 30 high schools and nine career and technical education centers this fall. Grafton High was the only school chosen from the Historic Triangle. The VDOE intends to have all high schools participating by the end of the school year.

Students will be able to earn certifications, such as the Microsoft Office Specialist, Microsoft Technology Associate or Microsoft Certified Professional, by completing the IT Academy coursework and passing certification exams. The program will better prepare students in the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and math, McDonnell said.