Community Partner Spotlight: Microsoft

The IT team at Microsoft has teamed up with the Accelerator YMCA to host bi-weekly topical workshops for youth participants. The idea originally came from "Micro Volunteering" during Microsoft's month of giving in October. Micro Volunteer projects are 1 hour workshops that Microsoft employees could participate in during their lunch break or right after work, an effort to break down barriers and get employees engaged in their communities.

The Accelerator YMCA posted a Micro Volunteer opportunity, seeking employees who were willing to host workshops that could be held via Skype or in-person with participants of our YTech program. Rather than making this a one-time opportunity, the IT team at Microsoft decided to sign up to host a series of 20 workshops that will take place throughout over the course of several months. Because the Microsoft IT team has employees located all over the world, this volunteer opportunity has been a great way to volunteer as a team and to teach a wide variety of courses ranging from C# coding to video game creation based on their individual areas of expertise.

Participants of the YTech program are focused on basic computer and technology literacy skills. Many of the participants of this program do not have technology available at home, so this program offers accessibility and exploration of a variety of computer programs and topics. YTech is aimed at bridging the digital equity divide and helping young people build their skill sets as they seek education and employment opportunities.

Thank you to the incredible Microsoft employees who have volunteered their time for these workshops!