Microsoft Philanthropies has awarded a Skills for Jobs and Livelihoods grant of a $500,000 to the city of Syracuse, NY in order to “help foster digital literacy, support entrepreneurship, small businesses, and workforce training for digital industries.”
CenterState CEO – an independent economic development strategist, business leadership organization, and chamber of commerce – will partner with the city under the Syracuse Surge initiative to foster digital equity for residents. The Syracuse Surge initiative seeks to ensure inclusive growth in the New Economy through talent and workforce development, minority, women, veteran and disabled owned (XBE) business development, and community engagement.
“Microsoft Philanthropies is making another major investment in the Syracuse Surge,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “This is public-private collaboration at its very best. With this grant funding, the City of Syracuse and its Syracuse Surge collaborators will give more city residents the skills and abilities they need to build successful careers in the New Economy. I am deeply grateful to Microsoft for its early and consistent commitment to the Syracuse Surge and to the people of the City of Syracuse.”
Investments to be made from the grant will support: digital literacy programming; entrepreneurship and small business development; and new economy (tech) workforce training. These investments will also continue work funded by JP Morgan Chase AdvancingCities and the American Rescue Plan Act.
“By expanding access to digital skills, supporting small businesses, and accelerating the startup ecosystem, we are expanding opportunity,” said Naria Santa Lucia, Microsoft General Manager for Digital Inclusion and U.S. Community Engagement. “We are excited to work with the Syracuse community to drive digital literacy and workforce training programs needed for in-demand jobs.”