Microsoft IT Academy:
North Carolina Public Schools is the first state education agency in the country to enter into an agreement with Microsoft to pilot the Microsoft IT Academy (MSITA), which provides high school students with real-world technology skills they need to be successful in college and a career. MSITA provides students, teachers, and staff members an opportunity to earn industry certifications.  North Carolina is the largest IT Academy in the world.  Career Preparation in a Global Economy focuses on the skills middle and high school students need to take charge of their career path. Teachers and Career Development Coordinators across the state facilitate discussions on the importance of their education and motivate them to make smart choices in high school and/or college through the use of the Career Forward online resources . The IT Academy consists of web-based modules and instruction, which allow students to learn Microsoft computer programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, at their own pace. Because the academy is computer-based, students complete the programs at their own pace within the classroom and at home.