Microsoft IT Academy
Business Challenge
Microsoft wanted to expand IT training opportunities to students within traditional academic institutions, which often lack the internal skill sets and communication tools to effectively deliver IT education. They needed to design and implement a set of resources that would support schools and colleges to deliver appropriate marketing and curriculum.Solution
WrightRobbins conceived of and launched the Microsoft IT Academy, planning and managing the program for three years. This included:- Working with cross functional teams at Microsoft to create a new sales and distribution channel consisting of academic institutions such as community colleges, high schools and technical schools.
- Developing the resources and partnerships necessary to create a strategic marketing plan and launch the IT Academy Program in only five short months.
- Creating collateral such as PR tools, advertising and a fully-developed public and private web site.
- Creating a sales package of Member Benefits including: Discounted instructor-led or online faculty training; instructional lab software and training licenses; IT Academy Program Technical Support; discounts on Microsoft Certification Exams and Microsoft Courseware; access to online community newsgroups and other resources; online marketing tools; and an IT educational portal for students.
- Established a mentor program for the network of participating IT Academies, and coordinated Train the Trainer events to further connect program participants to qualified trainer resources.
Results:
- 100 percent of the aggressive membership goal — counted as 500 participating institutions – was met in just four months.
- Geographic growth for the Microsoft IT Academy program has reached more than 100 countries or regions around the world — and the list continues to grow.