Through Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship, Apparo will drive economic opportunity in North Carolina
Update: After an impressive first year in the program, Stephanie McKee will continue to represent North Carolina for a second year! Read a detailed Impact Update of year one here.
Apparo has been selected to represent the state of North Carolina for Microsoft’s TechSpark Community Engagement Fellowship. Microsoft launched this program to accelerate economic growth in the U.S. and Mexico, focusing on digital access, computer science education, digital skills, and digital transformation. Apparo was selected for their demonstrated success in fostering inclusive economic opportunity and innovation through technology and business process advice, education and solutions to nonprofits.
“Technology and passion can change the world and encourage corporate employees to support causes like Apparo’s by using their skills as volunteers. Working with Microsoft ensures that this effort continues to reach those in greatest need,” said Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo.
“Since we launched TechSpark in 2017, we’ve helped communities secure more than $125 million in funding and helped create thousands of jobs,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies. “By expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity.”
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the expansion of its TechSpark program to tackle digital inclusion in four focus areas: digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation with local based organizations. Since its inception in 2017, TechSpark has helped its eight communities secure more than $125 million in community funding, skill 55,000 people, and create 3,300 jobs.
Stephanie McKee, Apparo’s Chief Technology Thought Partner who will spearhead the efforts in our community shared, “I was excited when I first learned of this fellowship because the focus on building capacity through digital transformation and driving economic opportunity is at the heart of the work we do at Apparo. Microsoft’s goal of driving digital access and workforce skills is so aligned our goals and their tools for nonprofits are ones we’ve been recommending for years.
“I recently attended the kickoff event at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, WA and it was incredibly energizing to meet the other nonprofits who received fellowships and the Microsoft TechSpark team. I learned about new Microsoft tools, including those related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, that will be useful for our nonprofit partners. Microsoft has so many resources, tools, and free trainings that nonprofits and their staff can take advantage of to help create efficiencies and save time.
“I’m looking forward to thought-partnership with my TechSpark coach over the next year in my area of focus for this fellowship: digital transformation through our Tech Therapy work. Through this Apparo service, we help upskill nonprofit staff, often with tools that they already have, and it’s transformative.”
To learn about your company can engage with Apparo to create social good, please visit apparo.org/corporations.
