YMCA Training, Inc. helps Bostonians succeed

Last Friday, May 20, the YMCA of Greater Boston honored Microsoft at a breakfast event in recognition of a $250,000 grant given to YMCA Training, Inc.  In February, the YMCA of Greater Boston was one of 12 organizations chosen to receive a  Microsoft Elevate America Community Initiative Grant, which helps the organization offer technology skills training and job placement services to the Greater Boston community.

In today’s economy, finding a job without basic technology skills can be extremely difficult. To help address this issue, Microsoft partnered with YMCA Training, Inc. to provide technology access and skills training to help people find employment. YMCA Training, Inc. is placing a special focus on underserved communities, including low income women residing in shelters, immigrants, laid-off and under-employed workers who have greater barriers to employment and re-employment than the broader population.

We were particularly thrilled to attend the breakfast event because we were able to hear from a few of the people who have gone through and benefitted from the program. Sherlene Austin was one of the first recipients of an Elevate America scholarship to Training, Inc. and is starting an internship at the City of Boston Disability Commission next week. Even better, her supervisor, who is the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner, is a Training, Inc. graduate as well.

“My experience at Training, Inc. has made such a significant impact on my search for employment,” said Sherlene.  “Training, Inc. has not only increased my technology acumen, but has also built my confidence and allowed me to express my creativity. I know I will succeed at this internship because of the support and training this program provided me.”

 At Microsoft, we are committed to providing people with technology access and skills training to help them find employment and reach their full potential. We believe we can have the greatest positive effect by working with partners like Training, Inc. that can bring the benefits of technology skills and training to people in our local communities. We are so elated to see the impact the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Training Inc. is making for the people that need it most.