The Charleston Metro Chamber will be working with Microsoft TechSpark to foster inclusive economic opportunity in the Charleston region. As a part of Microsoft’s TechSpark Community Engagement Fellows Program, the Chamber will deepen their efforts in supporting the workforce via digital skilling opportunities.

This effort will be supported by a Microsoft grant to fund a TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow, who will spearhead local efforts, working with local partners to provide inclusive digital skilling, digital inclusion and digital access. This Fellowship represents the first time TechSpark has worked in South Carolina. 

“The Chamber is excited to incorporate digital skills into our efforts to meet the workforce needs of our business community while improving economic mobility and career pathways for our local talent,” said Celeste Granger, Associate Vice President of Talent for the Charleston Metro Chamber.

“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. Read more about Microsoft TechSpark here.