Idaho Women for Education Selected as Part of Microsoft's National TechSpark Program to Grow Economic Opportunities in Idaho

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boise, Idaho. Idaho Women for Education is thrilled to announce that it has been selected by Microsoft to join with other community-based organizations throughout the country in the national expansion of the tech giant’s TechSpark program. As a TechSpark fellow, IDWE will work with Microsoft to foster inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation in Idaho.
 
- “It is beyond exciting to be selected as the only community-based organization in the state of Idaho to work with Microsoft in this effort”, said Cindy Wilson, President of IDWE. “Through our work with other statewide stakeholders, we will develop a digital inclusion strategy to help women -- we know that IDWE is not the only organization in Idaho doing the great work of making sure underserved, at-risk women are digitally connected, however, we are grateful for the opportunity Microsoft’s commitment through TechSpark affords us and Idaho.”

- "By receiving this opportunity, it gives us a chance to work towards real issues facing at risk women. We know that with passion, and resources, we can change the narrative and make real change for women in Idaho", Betsy Davies, Co-Founder of IDWE. 
 
- "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."
 
- "Resources granted by the TechSpark Program will be used to launch an innovative program for at risk women to help overcome current systemic barriers", said Diane Bevan, Co-Founder of IDWE.
 
The overarching mission of IDWE is to Idaho Women for Education, (IDWE) a new 501(c)3 nonprofit, and has a mission and desire to provide workforce readiness and business education, training and support for young women and adults within the State of Idaho. IDWE has a goal to generate awareness concerning the need for strong business education, technical awareness and financial literacy; through receiving donations from the general public, foundational grants and sponsors, using these funds for women-focused business trainings, scholarships, competitions, conference workshops, and the like for at-risk women.

- "What an incredible honor for our organization to be selected, I appreciate this new partnership with Microsoft and know that the TechSpark Fellow Program will catapult the innovative strategies of our organization to serve in impactful ways." Crystal Arnold, Founding IDWE board member.

 More information can be found at IDWE.org

 
For more information about Idaho Women for Education and the TechSpark program, follow us on social or email us at info@idwe.org.
 
Click here to see the full Microsoft announcement.