NEWS RELEASE - for immediate release
For more information contact Bryan Armstrong, KCTCS (859) 246-3146, ext. 1208

Note to editors: This article, first released in January, is being updated and re-released to coordinate with nationwide recognition of the Working Connections program.

Microsoft institute benefits KCTCS information technology faculty

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 5, 2003) - Faculty at colleges in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System will participate in the Working Connections IT Faculty Development Institute to ensure that their students enter the information-technology workforce with cutting-edge skills.

 KCTCS was one of 10 colleges or institutions selected to offer the training program. Some 120 information-technology faculty from community and technical colleges across KCTCS will receive the training this year.

The training program is supported by Microsoft Corp., the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and the Bellevue (Washington) Community College National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET).

Microsoft, AACC and NWCET recognize the importance of technology in today’s economy and the need for a skilled workforce, including many individuals from populations now under-represented across industry sectors.

“We are pleased to continue our fruitful partnership with Microsoft, which has assisted our colleges in teaching students skills that are relevant to the IT jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Michael B. McCall, KCTCS president.

Community and technical colleges such as those in KCTCS are recognized as the leading IT training providers. However, faculty and college presidents cite providing students up-to-date technology skills as one of their biggest challenges. The Faculty Development Institute aims to bridge that gap.

“Microsoft is proud to be offering the same high quality technology once only found in four-year universities to our community college partners,” said Scott Carlton, Microsoft Great Lakes District general manager. “By offering state-of-the-art training to faculty, we are helping to empower students to realize their full potential as members of the IT workforce.”

The institute concept is based on a successful training model used in Washington state for the past four years and funded by Microsoft. Nationally, approximately 15,000 IT instructors at 1,100 community and technical colleges will continue to benefit as the institute is fully rolled out to all 50 states over the next five years.

The program will benefit up to 100,000 students in the first two years. The institute will be managed by the AACC and NWCET at Bellevue Community College. 

The Working Connections IT Faculty Development Institute is a natural expansion of the AACC/Microsoft Working Connections partnership that began in 1998. Working Connections helps develop model IT programs across the nation, with a special emphasis on recruiting and serving underserved populations.

Microsoft has donated $50 million in cash and software to date. In early 2000, KCTCS was awarded nearly $300,000 from the Microsoft “Working Connections” program to assist the Commonwealth in responding to the need for well-trained information technology specialists.

n n n

KCTCS colleges change lives by providing accessible and affordable education and training through academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields; pre-baccalaureate education; adult, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry; and distance learning. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu <http://www.kctcs.edu>.