| All high school students in West Virginia will now have the opportunity to graduate with a free information technology certification.
The course is a partnership between Microsoft and the state Department of Education.
Beginning this fall, students will have access to Microsoft's IT Academy, which provides a variety of certifications to students for free upon graduation, including opportunities to become a Microsoft Office Specialist or a Microsoft Technology Associate.
About 63 percent of all jobs require some sort of technology knowledge, and a recent international study showed that the third most important requirement to employers when looking to hire is expertise with computer programs.
Sterling Beane, chief technology officer for the West Virginia Department of Education, said the new partnership could mean better opportunities for all West Virginia students regardless of their field of study, and even regardless of whether they plan to attend college.
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