Dunbar first with Microsoft certification

On Jan 12, 2009 Microsoft Lutz Ziob, general manager of Microsoft Learning posted on its Web site  the following quote: “In the Lee County school district of Fort Myers, Fla., 82-year-old Dunbar High School holds a rare distinction. Last year, Microsoft named Dunbar’s Academy for Technology Excellence the first Microsoft Certified High School in the world.”

Yes, you read it right - “In the World”. Of the 4700 Microsoft IT Academies in 100 countries Dunbar High School was the first to have 100% of its 2008 enrolled students attain one or more Microsoft certifications. Four hundred and fifty in 2008, 850 since the program was launched in 2006 and an expectation this year the 1000th certification will be awarded.

You may be asking yourself why I’m mentioning this extraordinary achievement in a Good Boot. 

There are a couple of reasons. It’s a Lee County School System success story I believe has been overshadowed by 

the more pressing issues currently facing our school system. And if you’re a regular Good Boot reader, a heads up about the technical training offered by the Lee County School System will most likely be of interest.

In a nutshell the collaboration between Microsoft and the Lee County School District is producing high school graduates that have attained certification in just about every Microsoft application. Many of which would cost thousands of dollars to otherwise attain.

Although all Microsoft application certifications provide opportunities, perhaps the most important is that many provide a high school graduate with immediate entry into the job market. 

Last Spring as a member of the Dunbar High School Academy For Technical Excellence Business Advisory Committee

I had the privilege of attending the certification awards ceremony. It was truly an eye opener. 

Four hundred and fifty enthusiastic 9th-12th grade students - male, female, computer Geeks, athletes, and those just interested in technology received certification from Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and Adobe. All of whom choose to participated in the ATE certification program with the understanding they must maintain acceptable grades in all their other high school courses.

However there’s catch. Although Dunbar’s Academy for Technology Excellence is a fully funded Magnet School program, the cost ($100 to $250) of the certification tests are not fully funded. 

If you’re able to make a financial contribution, provide your expertise on the Business Advisory Committee or perhaps would just like to tour the Academy for Technology Excellence, contact Denise Spence at 334-4513.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.