April 8, 2005
By Julie Evans

In an era when many preschoolers use mice as readily as crayons and when computers seem to be more prevalent than pencils, it’s easy to forget that not everyone knows computer basics. For those who don’t, however, many job opportunities and advancements are out of reach. Microsoft Saturdays at Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) are helping put them back within reach.

The mission of the SJI is to create opportunities for people to support themselves and their families through living-wage careers. As part of their program, SJI provides job training and weekday classes in computer skills.

On Microsoft Saturdays, students can bring their homework and get one-on-one tutoring from Microsoft employees to whom these skills are second nature. Volunteers share their knowledge and teach low-income adults key skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer that can help them build a better future for themselves. Employees have also developed some one- and two-day classes on “intermediate” software topics, such as pivot tables in Excel.

“For years, Microsoft employees have played a critical role in the success of our office-occupations training program for low-income adults,” said Rhonda Simmons, SJI executive director. “Our graduates frequently tell us how important the personal, one-on-one tutoring was, not only in improving their technical skills, but in giving them the confidence to go out and find a good paying job. We want to make other employees of Microsoft aware of the generosity of their coworkers who have been involved in this program and hope more will be inspired to participate."

Since the program began in 1998, approximately 100 Microsoft employees have volunteered. Some volunteer just once, while others teach regularly. All, however, agree it’s a great experience.

Vince Houmes, software-test engineer for MapPoint, said he got involved with SJI when he saw a flyer on a campus wall asking for volunteers. He went once to see what it was like and soon began donating a couple of hours each weekend.

“It’s such a great experience, and the students are very appreciative,” Houmes said. “Some of these people have had some really tough breaks, and this is their chance to better their lives. They’re so inspiring to me, and I’m happy to play a small role in their success.”

Susan Baker, software-design engineer-test in Authoring Services and SJI volunteer, agrees.

“During the course of the class, you can really see the student’s skills and self-confidence improve,” Baker said. “Some of the students even find jobs before they graduate, and their pride of accomplishment is amazing.  SJI has a great program, and it’s rewarding to be able to help these folks get a jump-start on a new career.

Houmes said the students are excited that they’re being taught Microsoft products such as Office directly by Microsoft employees.

“They like getting information straight from the horses’ mouths,” he said. “And there’s just a general fascination with the Microsoft culture. A lot of times they want to know what it’s like to work with Bill Gates.”

Baker echoed that sentiment.

“They’re often big Microsoft fans,” she said. “Once I told them how and why we created a single toolbar button in Word, and they loved the story so much one of them asked for my autograph.”

Houmes said that each week he volunteers, he learns something new himself.

“It helps me understand more the huge range of people who use Microsoft software, and even though I don’t work directly on Office products, it does help me look at the many different user-interface scenarios that could occur in my product—MapPoint.”

Michael Noto, support engineer for Internet Information Services, has been tutoring at SJI for four years and said it’s amazing to see what the students accomplish between the first class of a session and graduation day.

“It’s not every week, but every now and then, you see this light come on in these students’ eyes and in their faces, and you know that they get it and that you really taught them something” Noto said. “Most of them are really new users and intimidated by technology in general; to help them conquer that fear and open the door to so many possibilities is amazing.”