University Economic Development Association

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gener8tor Upskilling

Award Category: Innovation + Talent
Submitted By: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Program Info: Learn More

Abstract

Microsoft launched the Global Skilling Initiative (GSI) to support individuals under or unemployed as a result of the global pandemic. gener8tor Upskilling, a partnership between New North, Microsoft, Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation and gener8tor, combined gener8tor’s expertise in supporting people to rapidly meet their goals with the free reskilling resources of Microsoft Learn, LinkedIn Learning and GitHub. By combining one-on-one concierge support, participants learn with a small cohort of other learners to get new technical (customer service, sales, software development, and CompTia Network+ to date) and professional skills (Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Professional Soft Skills and Finding a Job during Challenging Economic Times) with the goal of securing a new role.

After the pilot that re-skilled 18 people we have grown to 7 other markets (launching 3 more in the next 2 months.) Northeast Wisconsin now has 56 (37% people of color) re-skilled people in customer service, sales or CompTIA Network+. 57% of the WI graduates have secured new roles from cohorts graduating in August 2020, December 2020 and May 2021. Thrivent Foundation joined the partnership after the August cohort.

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