UC to develop comprehensive skilling, talent initiatives with Microsoft
Initiatives include digital proficiency programs for UC students and corporate partners
The University of Cincinnati announced a strategic agreement with Microsoft to develop and attract tech talent in the region as well as collaborate on the university’s mission to deliver more graduates with 21st century skills for the digital world.
The agreement is a shared vision to distinguish the Cincinnati Innovation District as a center of excellence and indicative of the role public and private organizations play in fostering innovation and growth through skills initiatives. The agreement positions Cincinnati as a digital skills development hub in North America and will use its transformational blueprint to expand to other cities nationwide.
The University of Cincinnati is working with Microsoft to develop programs for skilling students, engaging faculty to solve core research and innovation initiatives and enhance skilling programs for enterprise customers within the Cincinnati Innovation District.
“The University of Cincinnati is powerfully focused on nurturing the talent needed to create and lead the future,” said University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto. “To meet that mission, we must continually advance the digital fluency and competencies of our students in tandem with the needs of the organizations that engage us. In this fast-paced digital age, COVID-19 has reminded us that we must move rapidly to fill any digital skills gaps and ensure our faculty researchers have access to the newest tools in the industry. We’re proud to welcome Microsoft into the Cincinnati Innovation District. Their partnership on this very important initiative will be transformative.”
Together, we can empower students to reach their full potential and fuel the skills and talent needed to support economic development and impact the many enterprise clients in the surrounding area.
Anthony Salcito VP of Education, Microsoft Corporation
The Cincinnati Innovation District was recently unveiled by Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted along with a 10-year plan to create more than 15,000 STEM graduates, $2 billion dollars in research and real estate development by JobsOhio and the state.
“We are driven to empower transformation for all — cities, organizations and individuals. The Cincinnati Innovation District, fueled by the University of Cincinnati, is a center for talent and joining with a world-class organization that is ubiquitous with digital transformation, will accelerate that vision and become a key factor in our already successful blueprint.” says David J. Adams, Chief Information Officer for the University of Cincinnati and lead coordinator for the Cincinnati Innovation District.
Microsoft is already engaging with the university in a variety of academic and experience-based programs including leveraging LinkedIn tools for students preparing for co-ops and internships, access to tools like Microsoft Learn, providing online learning paths to skill up on technology and prepare students for Microsoft’s industry-recognized certifications, and resources for students to get hands on experience with technology. Connected to this is support for the Early IT Program in the UC School of Information Technology targeting high school and continuing education students, curriculum development in Computer Science and the development of technical certification programs in cloud, data and artificial intelligence (AI). The agreement will expand the university’s ‘digital core’ in traditional and non-traditional STEM programs.
“Microsoft is excited to collaborate with University of Cincinnati in support of their vision to prepare students for the digital economy and their future employment,” said Anthony Salcito, Vice President, Education at Microsoft Corporation. “Together, we can empower students to reach their full potential and fuel the skills and talent needed to support economic development and impact the many enterprise clients in the surrounding area.”
About the Cincinnati Innovation District™
A unique and thriving ecosystem, The Cincinnati Innovation District™, anchored by the University of Cincinnati, is focused on empowering the transformation for all. At nearly 47,000 students strong, the University of Cincinnati is a national leader across many disciplines and is fueling society with student, research and educational talent. With the acceleration of STEM graduates and research talent from UC, the Cincinnati Innovation District™ is well positioned to be a beacon to the nation and the world to attract talent and the organizations that seek that talent.
Related Stories
UC, Nexigen agree to collaborate on AI security
April 23, 2024
An agreement between the University of Cincinnati and information technology and cybersecurity firm Nexigen will lead to collaboration on artificial intelligence, which includes a goal of making the technology more secure. Nexigen, one of the Cincinnati region's largest IT service and cybersecurity firms, builds technology solutions for companies in the United States. While not a legally binding contract, the agreement between the Kentucky-based company and UC will lead to cooperation on securing grants, give UC students real-world experience and provide Nexigen with expertise from UC faculty and students.
Cincinnati Business Courier: UC, CPS partner on College...
April 22, 2024
The University of Cincinnati has partnered with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) to broaden access to higher education for CPS students by creating the College Innovation Pathway. It allows high school students to earn credits for an associate degree while completing their high school diploma. Launch UC is helping move this initiative forward.
First-ever Gen-Z Insights event hosted by UC NEXT Innovation...
April 19, 2024
In academia, the intersection of innovation, collaboration and the fresh perspectives of the University of Cincinnati NEXT Innovation Scholars (NIS) holds immense promise. As a multi-disciplinary student group of innovators, the program balances university, corporate and non-profit partners. NIS students are driven by curiosity, passion, future creation and pursuing innovation, fostering a community of forward-thinkers poised to tackle tomorrow's challenges today. Recently, these young visionaries hosted an inaugural Gen-Z Insights showcase event at the UC 1819 Innovation Hub. The packed room of attendees included 1819 corporate partners such as Kao and Main Street Ventures and distinguished faculty and staff members. All were eager to hear and learn more from NIS scholars and the industry projects they worked on throughout the year.