“As Chicago builds its economy back in the wake of COVID-19,” said Deb Cupp, President of Microsoft U.S. “the Accelerate program expands economic opportunity and provides the skills needed to support an inclusive, equitable recovery. We’re proud to work with our civic, learning, and corporate partners to bring this program to Chicago.”
“Especially given the socioeconomic fallout of this crisis, we have been laser-focused on identifying and pursuing initiatives that will uplift our residents and ensure our city’s equitable post-pandemic recovery,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Bridging the digital divide and creating good-paying, sustainable jobs for people to take advantage of are necessary steps we must complete in order to fulfill this obligation. Accelerate Chicago will help do this and more, and I am grateful to Microsoft and its partners for investing in the future success of our residents, their communities and our entire city.”