Iowa STEM Microsoft Imagine Academy Certifications on the Rise

Microsoft Imagine Academy Certifications
Microsoft Imagine Academy certifications have steadily increased from 2014 to 2018.

The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council Microsoft Imagine Academy is soaring to new heights. With weeks left in the school year, there are already more than 1,600 completed certifications by schools that are participating in the program. This is a 54% increase from this point in the previous academic school year, making Iowa one of the leaders in year over year growth in the number of certifications this year.

The 2017-18 academic year is the first year that two programs and certifications were offered in Iowa. In addition to Microsoft Office Specialist which focuses on mastery of applications, the Microsoft Technology Associate program and certification was available for students to gain more coding and computer science skills.

“The pace of certifications demonstrate that students understand the importance of certifications, such as what is offered through the Microsoft Imagine Academy, and the competitive advantage they provide for future opportunities,” said Ann Watts, Program Manager for the Microsoft Imagine Academy. “This is another step towards the Future Ready Iowa goal of 70 percent of Iowa’s workforce having education or training beyond high school by 2025.”

There is a growing need for advanced knowledge and technical skills throughout the nation and right here in Iowa. To learn more about the certification opportunities and the Microsoft Imagine Academy, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov/MITA.

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