The popular Washington State Library/Microsoft IT Academy is getting a new name – the Microsoft Imagine Academy.

Since launching in November 2013 as a partnership between the State Library, Microsoft, and Washington libraries, the program has seen an impressive increase in enrollees statewide, and is helping thousands of Washingtonians improve their skills and lives.

“We’re excited about the program’s name change from the IT Academy to the Imagine Academy,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. “The new name reflects that anyone who imagines a new career or a chance to improve skills can make it happen through this incredible program that is free to Washingtonians.

“We are thrilled that this cost-effective program is making a real difference in people’s lives – students, job-seekers, returning military veterans, public employees and others,” Wyman added.

The Microsoft Imagine Academy has about 19,000 users statewide, accessing more than 400 online courses and learning resources. Courses are available in 20 languages.

The Imagine Academy program can help prepare enrollees for jobs and careers in a global economy that is becoming more tech-dependent.

“This program has helped change my life,” said enrollee Christian Osborn of Puyallup. “It was free material and knowledge given to me. I have spent the last six months going from learning Excel to Access to Power Pivot to Power Business Intelligence with Microsoft. Through these courses offered by the Imagine Academy, I was able to eventually land my dream job with Microsoft in analytics.”

In terms of enrollment, the program’s top five courses are Microsoft Excel 2013 Essentials, Microsoft Word 2013 Essentials, Beginning Skills in Microsoft Excel 2010, Microsoft Outlook 2013 Essentials and Microsoft Access 2013 Essentials.

You can access the Academy for free through your local public, community college or tribal library and start taking courses in minutes. Go here to see a list of participating libraries. Here is a list of the 400 courses available to Washington residents through the IT Academy.

Enrollees can take courses on their own computer on a library computer – or any computer with Internet access that supports flash technology. Courses are 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. The newest additions focus on computer science and coding.

Certification to show proficiency in Office software – the Microsoft Office Specialist – is available, but the participant pays for it. Discounts are now available, says Elizabeth Iaukea, the State Library’s coordinator for the Imagine Academy.

Exams are normally $125 each, but thanks to the partnership between the State Library and Microsoft, the exams are now free or up to $50, which includes one free retake.

“We want certification to be both affordable and convenient – and to spread awareness among employers and job seekers about the value of a credential that independently verifies the person’s knowledge and ability with the software,” Iaukea said.

Iaukea said the State Library has agreements with 24 organizations (many of Washington’s community and technical colleges as well as several public and tribal libraries) to be part of its Microsoft Office Specialist certification partnership.

“The IT Academy helps current workers and job seekers improve their IT skills and knowledge, which gives them an edge in an economy where computer skills are so important,” Iaukea said. “Thinking just about Office – it’s the third-most requested job skill, across all occupations and industries. When you look at just high-growth, high-wage jobs, it rises to second-most requested.  Given that, what employer wouldn’t hire a candidate with one or more Office certifications, above another who can only claim to have proficiency?

“Certification is really just starting to take off,” Iaukea added. “It’s exciting.  In just a little over a year of activity, several thousand Office certifications have been earned through our partnership.  I’ve heard of employers requiring job applicants take certification exams before they are invited to interview.  Hiring managers are starting to recognize that certification is the ultimate way to ensure job candidates know their stuff.”

Have questions about the Imagine Academy? Contact Iaukea at [email protected] or (360) 570-5578, or visit your local library.