Embry-Riddle Worldwide to Partner with Microsoft on IT Training at Camp Pendleton, Fort Campbell This Spring

Molly Justice

Mon Mar 21, 2016 at 03:10 PM

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This spring, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide will provide valuable IT training to transitioning service members at Marine and Army installations in California and Kentucky through Microsoft Corp.’s Software & Systems Academy (MSSA).

Today, the MSSA begins at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Next month, the program will expand to Fort Campbell, Ky.

Through the program, Embry-Riddle Worldwide will offer academic and technical training, Microsoft certification testing and practical exercises. Students also receive additional Microsoft benefits including resume writing and interviewing training, interaction with IT industry leaders and a job interview with Microsoft or one of its hiring partners upon graduation.

"This program is an extension of the university's long-standing commitment to the military," said Embry-Riddle Worldwide Chancellor Brad L. Sims. "Working with Microsoft, we're adding a new dimension to the Embry-Riddle learning experience that will uniquely position service members and veterans for rewarding jobs in the IT industry."

Program participation is limited to active service personnel who are transitioning out of the military within six months and recently separated veterans. Active duty personnel will be released from their assignment for two school terms of full-time, daytime instruction. MSSA graduates earn MS certifications, along with 18 credit hours toward a degree at Embry-Riddle or another institution.

"Microsoft is committed to supporting current and former service members during their transition into civilian careers," said Chris Cortez, vice president of military affairs for Microsoft. "Our MSSA partnership with Embry-Riddle will create new education and training opportunities for service members to pursue strong IT careers."

Additional Embry-Riddle program sites planned for 2016 include: Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Bragg, N.C.; and Fort Carson, Colo.

Through its Worldwide Campus, Embry-Riddle currently serves nearly 17,000 active-duty and student veterans online and at more than 120 campuses around the world. The university's tradition of educating service members began in 1970 at Fort Rucker in Alabama and has grown to include base locations in Europe, the Middle East, Japan and South Korea.

For more information, visit worldwide.erau.edu/microsoft.