Microsoft IT Academy
Model High joins Microsoft IT Academy
Posted on 05/22/2013
This is the image for the news article titled Model High joins Microsoft IT AcademyPhoto: Model High instructor Bill Hosmer assists Davy Fisher, a junior, in the Model computer lab.

Information Technology (IT) is a key to future success for today's youth.  At Model High School, students have taken a giant leap into the future as the school has joined Microsoft's IT Academy.  The move will allow teens at Model High to achieve industry recognized credentials in Word 2010, PowerPoint 2010, Excel 2010, Access 2010, Word 2010 Expert, and Excel 2010 Expert.  The opportunity will also help students to boost their academic and workforce resume', gain valuable experience, enhance higher education prospects and learn computer skills needed for success in college or the workplace.

The Microsoft IT Academy program is a college and career ready education program provided to Georgia high schools through the Georgia Department of Education.  The program is designed to provide students with the 21st century technology skills necessary to acquire certification and be competitive in today's IT workplace.

As a result of Model High entering the program, the school's business labs are now official CertiPort Testing Centers for Microsoft.  The Microsoft Office Specialist exams are free to students and may be taken at Model High School.  There are many incentives for students passing the Microsoft certification exams. The advantages include: most colleges accept the certifications for college credit, students passing the exam earn a 100% score on the course final exam, students are recognized with awards and certificates, their names are placed in the CTAE Wall of Fame at Model, they are eligible to attend a rewards school field trip to White Water, and they will have earned an industry recognized credential.

Current classes with Microsoft Office Specialist certification at Model High include: Introduction to Business and Technology, Computer Applications II, and Business Communications and Presentations.  "These three classes currently complete the Administrative and Information Processing CTAE pathway," commented Bill Hosmer, teacher at Model High School.  "With Model High School's participation in the Microsoft IT Academy, students will complete real-world, hands-on lessons while acquiring 21st century technology skills necessary to earn certification and be competitive in today’s rapidly evolving workplace."  

The program was made possible by Eric Waters, CEO of Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy, securing grant funds for the purchase of five-hundred vouchers for students in the school system to sit for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2010  exams, Waters said, "This is an exciting opportunity for teens as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of a career in Information Technology."