Certiport Donates Microsoft Certification Exams to UNCF
By Ronald Roach

SALT LAKE CITY

Certiport Inc., the worldwide administrator of the Microsoft Office Specialist program, has announced an in-kind gift of Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) valued at approximately $2 million. Help will be given to UNCF colleges and universities to educate students and faculty about the benefits of Microsoft Office Specialist certification, according to Certiport officials.

In conjunction with the gift, UNCF will encourage students to sign up for the first annual Microsoft Office XP Worldwide Competition, which will reward contestants who demonstrate the strongest skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.

"We are pleased to play an active role in supporting organizations like UNCF that help students prepare for the competitive digital workplace," says Randy Pierson, CEO of Certiport. "The Microsoft Office Specialist certification offers students the opportunity to demonstrate skills they'll need to succeed in school and the workplace."

UNCF, one of the oldest successful minority education assistance organizations, will distribute Microsoft Office Specialist exams to affiliated colleges and universities that make computer training and desktop application proficiency an integral component of school curriculum. The exams are part of a larger mission to increase access to technology for students, including those who want to participate in the worldwide competition.

"UNCF will make good use of this kind expression of support from Certiport," says Alan Kirschner, senior vice president for development at UNCF. "These exams complement Microsoft's continued support and commitment to closing the digital divide and expanding educational opportunities for the deserving young men and women that attend UNCF institutions."