LANSING – Though no deals have been signed, Michigan stands to benefit from Microsoft Corporation’s recent renewal of its Partners in Learning Program, which was worth $4 million over five years when it began in June 2004.
Microsoft officials told the State Board of Education at its meeting Tuesday that the success of its programs under the previous grant makes Michigan a strong contender for additional funding under the next five years.
Those funds so far have developed online materials to help teachers meet the new grade level content expectations, as well as the Career Forward and Michigan Leadership Improvement Framework Endorsement programs unveiled to the board Tuesday.
Allyson Knox, who has been overseeing the grant program in Michigan, said the company is looking to take the Career Forward course, which provides students an online tool for making career decisions, and MI-LIFE, a 13-month leadership training program for school administrators, beyond Michigan schools.
Knox said the success of those programs so far makes Michigan an attractive site for programs from the next round of PIL grants.
“I’m a huge advocate of this state not just because I grew up here but because you have great people and assets,” she said.
Knox did not indicate when Microsoft would be considering the next round of grants, but said she would support the state’s application.
This story was provided by Gongwer News Service. To subscribe, click on Gongwer.Com
a>>
