(Redmond, WA, Wednesday, February 15, 2023) – Microsoft is expanding a successful economic opportunity and job creation program to all 50 states. TechSpark launched five years ago in six US cities to provide resources and expertise at a local level, later expanding to two additional regions.

Now, the expanded program means hands-on mentorship, computer science training and funding in every state using a hyperlocal, partner-driven approach.

Over the next two years, Microsoft will select one community from each state without an existing TechSpark project, partner with a local organization and supply a grant to support a TechSpark fellow.

Since its inception five years ago, TechSpark has resulted in $125 million dollars raised in partnership with community organizations and businesses, 50,000 people trained in critical digital skills, and 3,300 jobs created and jobseekers placed.

Current TechSpark regions include Fargo, North Dakota; Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; El Paso, Texas; Southern Virginia; Northeast Wisconsin; Central Washington; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Jackson, Mississippi.

Mike Egan, TechSpark Director, explains.