Ensuring every person has access to the technology, skills, and opportunity to pursue in-demand jobs in a changing world.
We are in the midst of the “fourth industrial revolution,” as organizations and individuals around the world use cloud computing to get the latest and greatest technology, power their businesses and daily lives, and accomplish things never thought possible. The cloud enables many of the activities we use on a daily basis: communication, banking, gaming, entertainment, business applications, artificial intelligence, and many more. The cloud enables organizations to deploy applications anywhere on the globe without constraints. The cloud hosts massive amounts of data that feed these applications and provide information to people and businesses around the world.
Datacenters are at the heart of our daily life—hospitals, schools, businesses, and government all depend on the computing that happens in local datacenters. Datacenter buildings house thousands of computer servers and data storage devices connected to the internet. At Microsoft, we are committed to building and operating datacenters responsibly, for the good of the community. This is our datacenter community pledge. We will contribute to a sustainable future, advance community prosperity and well-being and operate responsibly as a good neighbor.
The Datacenter Academy is an initiative empowering individuals to excel in the dynamic landscape of cloud computing, IT and critical environment. As a workforce development program from Microsoft Community Affairs, the Datacenter Academy collaborates with education partners (e.g. schools) in datacenter communities, delivering training, certifications, scholarships, grants, mentorship, and work experience. This comprehensive approach enables employment opportunities in the rapidly growing fields of cloud computing and IT. The Datacenter Academy program delivers on five core pillars as illustrated below.
Explore the global network of Datacenter Academies. Presently, Microsoft has 18 active Datacenter Academy sites across the globe, with ongoing initiatives to expand this network in the near future.
Connecting with others and learning from current employees. Our local datacenter teams mentor and support students in their education development.
Microsoft has partnered with local education institutions to supplement existing IT curricula by incorporating specialized instruction tailored to IT support scenarios within large-scale IT environments, such as hyperscale cloud data centers. While the curriculum may vary slightly from one institution to another, our primary objective is to enhance the employability of the local workforce by ensuring alignment with the core competencies and in-demand skills of the broader IT industry. While some aspects of the instruction may be specific to Microsoft data centers, the curriculum, certifications obtained, and practical hands-on experience gained through the program will benefit all students pursuing a career in IT.
The Datacenter Academy students who successfully complete the program requirements will be awarded with certificates from CompTIA. CompTIA is the world's most trusted certifying body of IT professionals who helps learners get the career they deserve with industry-leading certifications and expert knowledge.
As part of our commitment to community partnerships, Microsoft actively supports our education partners in supplementing classroom instruction by providing resources to build datacenter labs. Through donations of datacenter equipment, we enable these partners to establish on-site labs, offering students valuable hands-on experience with cloud storage tools and equipment. By fostering familiarity with this equipment, students are better prepared for successful careers in IT.
The typical lab contains at least three (3) rack cabinets with a mix of servers, storage devices and networking equipment. If the learning institution has more space, a bigger lab deployment is possible. Microsoft’s Workforce Development team partners with local construction companies to outfit the new lab with the necessary cooling, ventilation, and wiring to support lab operations. Typically, datacenter labs are deployed in a classroom nearest the school’s computer science or IT programs.
As part of our commitment to community partnerships, Microsoft actively supports our education partners in supplementing classroom instruction by providing resources to build datacenter labs. Through donations of datacenter equipment, we enable these partners to establish on-site labs, offering students valuable hands-on experience with cloud storage tools and equipment. By fostering familiarity with this equipment, students are better prepared for successful careers in IT.
The typical lab contains at least three (3) rack cabinets with a mix of servers, storage devices and networking equipment. If the learning institution has more space, a bigger lab deployment is possible. Microsoft’s Workforce Development team partners with local construction companies to outfit the new lab with the necessary cooling, ventilation, and wiring to support lab operations. Typically, datacenter labs are deployed in a classroom nearest the school’s computer science or IT programs.
Microsoft datacenter team members may facilitate interactive Q&A sessions, providing students with insights into the daily operations and work environment within a datacenter.
Whenever feasible, our skilled technicians are available to provide training sessions for instructors covering a range of topics including cabling, hardware installation, safety protocols, and other best practices.
On occasion, Microsoft staff may deliver classroom instruction. The most common training we provide is cable management as well as fiber troubleshooting skills; this provides real world best practices for handling fiber, transceivers, cable routing, and proper dressing. Then Career Success, which includes walking students through the process of setting up a LinkedIn account, building a profile, connecting with Microsoft employees, and finally how to create a Microsoft Careers account.
Throughout the program, our educational partners and datacenter staff will share their expertise, advice, and guidance by serving as tutors to ensure that students receive all the necessary support and reach their full potential.
Community colleges often conduct mock interview sessions to prepare students for real-world interviews in the IT sector. Datacenter staff may assist in these programs by conducting authentic Microsoft-style interviews to provide students with practical experience.
Datacenter staff may engage in one-on-one interactions with students, offering career advice, tips for successful interviewing, and assistance in crafting impactful resumes.
Microsoft datacenter team members may facilitate interactive Q&A sessions, providing students with insights into the daily operations and work environment within a datacenter.
Whenever feasible, our skilled technicians are available to provide training sessions for instructors covering a range of topics including cabling, hardware installation, safety protocols, and other best practices.
On occasion, Microsoft staff may deliver classroom instruction. The most common training we provide is cable management as well as fiber troubleshooting skills; this provides real world best practices for handling fiber, transceivers, cable routing, and proper dressing. Then Career Success, which includes walking students through the process of setting up a LinkedIn account, building a profile, connecting with Microsoft employees, and finally how to create a Microsoft Careers account.
Throughout the program, our educational partners and datacenter staff will share their expertise, advice, and guidance by serving as tutors to ensure that students receive all the necessary support and reach their full potential.
Community colleges often conduct mock interview sessions to prepare students for real-world interviews in the IT sector. Datacenter staff may assist in these programs by conducting authentic Microsoft-style interviews to provide students with practical experience.
Datacenter staff may engage in one-on-one interactions with students, offering career advice, tips for successful interviewing, and assistance in crafting impactful resumes.
Datacenter Academy scholarships help pay for the cost of tuition, fees, and certifications for students who are seeking IT skills, in locations where those costs can impact a student from pursuing education. The scholarships are targeted to help those who have historically been underrepresented in STEM and technical fields. Through these scholarships, Microsoft helps promote the acquisition of skills and certifications for employment in the growing IT sector in Microsoft’s datacenter communities – and beyond.
To apply for a Microsoft Datacenter Academy course, please visit the college in your selected area and submit your application directly to them.
To apply for a Microsoft Datacenter Academy course, please visit the college in your selected area and submit your application directly to them. Singapore Institute of Technical Education (ITE): The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) was established as a post-secondary institution in 1992, under the Ministry of Education. ITE is a principal provider of career and technical education and a key developer of national skills certification and standards, skilling Singapore for the future economy. It offers three key programmes - (1) Pre-Employment Training for youths after secondary education (2) Continuing Education and Training for adult learners and (3) Workplace Learning and Work-Study Programmes with employers. Under its 'One ITE System, Three Colleges' Governance Model, ITE has three Colleges - ITE College Central, ITE College East and ITE College West.
To apply for a Microsoft Datacenter Academy course, please visit the college in your selected area and submit your application directly to them. Ireland Collinstown Park Community College: Collinstown Park Community College is a State, Co-educational and Multi-denominational Post Primary and Further Education and Training College of Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board. Technical University Blanchardstown Dublin: Technological University Dublin or TU Dublin is Ireland's first technological university. This university provides pathways to graduation from apprenticeship to PhD. Netherlands Talland College: Talland College is a vocational institution in the Netherlands offering various programs aimed at equipping students with practical skills for various industries Vonk Schagen: Vonk Schagen, is a comprehensive vocational education provider in North Holland. They offer a wide range of educational programs including VMBO, MBO, VAVO, as well as various courses and company training. Spain Fundacion Tomillo: Fundación Tomillo is a non-profit organisation focused on accompanying young people in vulnerable situations, to promote their growth and employability. Sweden NTI Gymnasiet Lund: NTI Gymnasiet Lund offer university preparatory and vocational programmes at EQF levels 4 and 5, serving students ages 16-20. Polhemsskolan Gävle: Polhemsskolan in Gävle is a vocational education institute (Gymnasieskolan) which has different vocational programs. Electrical & Energy Programme (DATA Specialization) has a focus on Data Center Technicians and Network Engineering. Sandviken DCA: Sandviken DataCenter Academy – SDCA (non-profit association) works for an increased digital level of competence in the region, improved integration and a positive and sustainable social development by creating a world-class data center.
To apply for a Microsoft Datacenter Academy course, please visit the college in your selected area and submit your application directly to them. Atlanta Technical College: Atlanta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, provides lifelong educational opportunities and experiences through academic and innovative career preparation, service learning, and multiple program delivery modalities that lead to technical certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees and make student development and success possible in a competitive global economy. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commision on Colleges (SAC COC).
Big Bend Community College: Big Bend Community College (BBCC) is a public community college established in 1962 in Moses Lake, WA which offers a variety of academic and technical program certificates and degrees designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or for immediate entry into the workforce. Catawba Valley Community College: Catawba Valley Community College is a public community college in Hickory, North Carolina where students can earn degrees, diplomas, and certificates in 55 different fields. Catawba Valley Community College is committed to excellence, quality engagement, valuing every interaction, and relentless execution in the transformation of our students and communities. Des Moines Community College: Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) is a public community college in central Iowa. DMACC offers over 220 programs, certificates, and transfer degrees. Palo Alto College: Palo Alto College is a vibrant public community college in San Antonio, Texas, fostering a thriving community of learners through a diverse range of associate degrees, certificates, and even a Bachelor's of Operations Management. Empowering and inspiring students for leadership and success, Palo Alto College is dedicated to providing the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your educational and career goals. Estrella Mountain Community College: EMCC is a public, non-profit community college that offers certificates and associate degrees to help students achieve their educational goals. We pride ourselves in making high-quality, affordable education accessible in the West Valley in various learning modalities to meet students' unique needs. Glendale Community College: Glendale Community College serves over 13,000 students primarily in Phoenix Arizona's West Valley. As part of the Maricopa Community Colleges system, we believe a college education should be affordable, high quality, and community driven with meaningful and direct access to resources, personalized support, and career and university pathways. Laramie County Community College: Laramie County Community College is a public community college that offers 2 bachelor's degree programs, 44 associate degree programs, and 30 certificates. LCCC's Information Technology Pathway programs have been recognized by industry partners and educational consortiums for innovative delivery and high-quality outcomes. Northern Virgina Datacenter Academy: Build life skills and take the next step towards your educational and professional IT goals at NoVA Data Center Academy. We offer a wide range of IT training courses and IT industry certification programs, delivered by consultants, who are experts in their field. Get your hands on training and wrap around services at NoVA DCA. Your Future Stars Here! Northwest Vista College: Northwest Vista College, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a public community college with an enrollment of over 18,000 students. We offer a diverse range of associate degrees and technical certifications, tailored to support educational and career goals. Southern Virginia Higher Education Center: Southern Virginia Higher Education Center is an epicenter of education and job training in southern Virginia. The Center drives regional economic development by establishing talent pipelines for in-demand careers. Southside Virginia Community College: Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education within the Virginia Community College System which serves as a gateway to education, training, and employment opportunities by providing relevant and innovative programs responsive to the diverse communities we serve in a student-centered, inclusive learning environment. West Georgia Technical College: West Georgia Technical College offers over 120 programs of study with degree, diploma, and technical certificate offerings available. With affordable tuition, small class sizes, a myriad of financial aid options, and a superior learning environment, we are ready to be your partner for success!
To apply for a Microsoft Datacenter Academy course, please visit the college in your selected area and submit your application directly to them. Brazil Federal Institute of São Paulo: Federal Institute of São Paulo Campus Hortolândia - IFSP is a public institution that offers high education and professional education in Hortolândia, Brazil.
