TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to enter into a 24-month agreement with Microsoft Corporation to host free Digital Alliance events located in and conducted in collaboration with the City of Long Beach. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Microsoft Corporation hosts free workshops in communities across the nation, such as Albuquerque, NM and Sacramento, CA. Partnering with local governments, Microsoft provides staff expertise and capacity building workshops focused on young people and entrepreneurs. This program is known as the “Digital Alliance.” At this time, two types of events are proposed in Long Beach. These include Digi Camps, with separate sessions for girls and boys, which expose local youth to technology, coding, and encourage them to explore technology-based careers. In addition, a BizSpark session will serve local entrepreneurs and demonstrate how technology can simplify everyday tasks, increase their productivity, reduce business operations costs, and grow their business. The City of Long Beach will collaborate with Microsoft to secure locations for the workshops and promote the events.
This matter was reviewed by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 17, 2015 and by Deputy City Attorney Amy Webber on June 17, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 23, 2015 in order to be eligible for Microsoft’s July 2015 round of partnerships.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. The City will utilize existing resources to provide in-kind support, such as event space, staff time to facilitate coordination of the events, and by promoting the events in the press and community. Microsoft will bear all other costs associated with the workshops and events. The events will enhance our local economy by providing capacity building for local businesses and encouraging young people to pursue careers in technology, which pay higher wages and are growing in demand...
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