Long Beach native JJ Townsend will spearhead a new effort in Mississippi by Microsoft called TechSpark. It's a program designed to expand technology education and business development in regions that are short of opportunities. TechSpark was established in October 2017 when Microsoft chose six regions of America where it would invest staff, money and resources to help train today's workers and prepare future leaders. The ultimate goal is to meet the region's needs for a technologically skilled workforce. TechSpark develops programs for residents at every stage of education and career, Townsend said. Microsoft chose Jackson, Miss., to launch a new TechSpark initiative,” said Janet Parker, director of business development and marketing for Innovate Mississippi. “It isn’t cookie cutter," she said. The company recognizes that every community has its own unique challenges ultimately attracting people to live and work in Mississippi and leading to brain gain instead of brain drain.” TechSpark has seen significant projects come to life in Central Washington; Southern Virginia; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Fargo, North Dakota; Northeastern Wisconsin; and the cross-border region of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Mississippi employers are looking to hire people with strong digital skills as a driver of economic recovery and growth. Recent analysis from the Mississippi Economic Council identified the lack of qualified workers was the No. 1 issue impacting the business climate in the state. TechSpark has announced support for four programs: Jackson State University’s Cybersecurity Readiness program; gener8tor Skills Accelerator Mississippi; Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Accelerator; and Jackson Tech District Makerspace. (Source: Clarion Ledger 05/19/22) Microsoft's new TechSpark program to boost tech skills in Mississippi (clarionledger.com)
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