Certiport IC3, Microsoft Office certifications help connect India’s most disadvantaged to digital world

NEW DELHI - Certiport today announced the launch of a pilot that will enable 500 eighth- through twelfth-grade students with little or no computer experience to develop and certify critical digital skills in Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) and the official Microsoft Office certification programs.

Developed by Rotary Club of New Delhi through corporate sponsorship from Intel, SpiceT Telecom and CyberLearning, the program aims to help students to stay in school and arm them with employability skills.

“India is experiencing astonishing growth in technology-enabled professional services,” said Ray Kelly, president and CEO of Certiport.

“Certiport is delighted to provide certified skills to a population that might not otherwise have the opportunity to support the growth of the country’s digital economy,” Kelly added.

Beginning this week, qualified trainers from CyberLearning will provide instruction to students on essential aspects of computing, the Internet and Microsoft Office applications at participating schools.

After completing the required Certiport IC3 curriculum, which includes extensive hands-on computer training, students will be trained to earn the globally recognized Microsoft Office certification for proficiency in one of five business applications.

The top two performing students from each participating school will be rewarded with an Intel-powered Classmate PC donated by the company. The lightweight, easy-to-carry device helps integrate technology with all other student learning to promote 21st Century skills development.

“Reports indicate that 80 percent of graduates produced by India are not readily employable, so it’s imperative that we start focusing on schools,” said Pankaj Rai, chairman of the Rotary Club of New Delhi Literacy Committee in India and CEO of CyberLearning.

“Keeping students engaged in education through this program will enable them to advance beyond their present circumstances and seize opportunity,” added Rai.

Based on the success of the project, this pilot could be extended to more than 500 schools by as early as July 2009. (ANI)