The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Local residents needing to learn new information technology skills for their current job, a new career or just wanting to add some skills for personal enrichment can do so through Cathlamet Public Library thanks to a partnership between the Washington State Library and Microsoft.

Microsoft’s IT Academy program offers free training to participating Washington residents to help prepare them for jobs and careers in a global economy that is becoming more tech-dependent.

Cathlamet Public Library patrons will be able to access 250 courses offered on three basic levels: digital literacy, for those who need basic skills such as using a mouse or sending emails; e-learning courses that support Microsoft Office suites; and courses leading to professional technology certifications. Certification is available but at cost to the participant.

Washington began offering the IT Academy in Washington public schools statewide in September 2011. More than 16,000 certifications have been earned by Washington public school students and teachers since the program began, including nearly 11,600 in the 2012-13 school year. Many Washington public libraries launched IT Academy in October of 2013, but the Cathlamet library postponed starting IT Academy until the remodel was finished and new computers and fiber optic Internet were available.

Librarian Carol Blix invites patrons to come and sign up for IT Academy, which can also be accessed on home computers that have the necessary software installed.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman said, “This is another way for the State Library to provide meaningful services that really benefit people throughout Washington. We’re excited that so many libraries are our partners with the IT Academy. The winners will be people in almost every community in our state who take advantage of this great training opportunity.”

State Librarian Rand Simmons said libraries are an obvious place for Washingtonians to receive IT Academy training. “Libraries have been in the life-long learning business for a long time, so they are a natural fit for the IT Academy’s training program. People are used to coming to their libraries for assistance. It makes perfect sense to have libraries host this training program that will help make many more Washingtonians IT-literate,” he said.