JACKSON, Miss. – Skill-IT-MS wrapped up its two-month Skill-IT-Thon competition on June 30, 2023. The Bean Path, The City of Jackson, the Jackson Resource Center and Mississippi Public Broadcasting collaborated with Microsoft Philanthropies to launch Skill-IT-Thon to help jobseekers, professionals and students gain new skills for in-demand roles in the digital economy.
MPB invites the public to celebrate the conclusion of the Skill-IT-Thon with them on July 19, 2023, at 11 a.m. MPB is located at 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.
Skill-IT-MS was one of three communities selected to launch websites and host upskilling challenges nationally in 2023. In total, there were over 700 Career Essentials Certificates and certificates of completion awarded.
“At Microsoft we aim for everyone to have access to the skills, technology and opportunity needed to thrive in today’s digital economy,” said Mary Snapp, vice president of strategic initiatives, Microsoft. “We’re proud to support this Skill-IT-Thon and help people around the country learn new skills – congrats to all participants and the winners of the competition.”
Skill-IT-Thon competition categories and cash prizes winners to be announced July 19 include:
16-24 years old
$1,500 first place
$1,000 second place
$600 third place
$250 fourth place
25-49 years old
$1,500 first place
$1,000 second place
$600 third place
$250 fourth place
50 years and older
$1,500 first place
$1,000 second place
$600 third place
$250 fourth place
Kristen Windham, who handles workforce policy initiatives for Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ office will be the guest speaker for the ceremony. Dr. Tara Y. Wren, Director of Education for MPB, will present the checks. All-Skill-IT-MS initiative partners will also be in attendance.
Although the Skill-IT-Thon is concluded, opportunities will continue. All courses through the Skill-IT-MS website are free and available through 2024. To learn more, visit gettigntowork.mpbonline.org. Local employers, teachers, and churches are encouraged to share the Skill-IT-MS website as a resource for online training and upskill opportunities. Anyone can tap into the learning pathways and courses, including employers or individuals.
More information about MPB’s workforce programs can be found at gettingtowork.mpbonline.org.
For more information on MPB, visit www.mpbonline.org. Find all MPB press releases here.
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Mississippi Public Broadcasting provides relevant instructional and public affairs programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages by providing informative programming and educational resources. MPB’s locally-produced programming focuses on the people, resources and attractions that reflect Mississippi’s unique culture and diverse heritage. Children’s television programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. MPB provides a valuable resource to Mississippians in disseminating information as part of the state’s emergency preparedness and response system. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national, regional and statewide awards, including Emmy®, Edward R. Murrow and Parents’ Choice® Awards.