$10,000 in Prizes Awarded Thursday in UpSkill-A-Thon

Marion, Ohio – Community Skills Initiative Marion Technical College wrapped up its month-long UpSkill-A-Thon competition on November 16 at midnight. Marion Technical College collaborated with Microsoft Philanthropies to launch the Community Skills Initiative and to help jobseekers, professionals, and students gain new skills for in-demand roles in the digital economy.

Marion Technical College celebrated the conclusion of the UpSkill-A-Thon competition today.

MTC was one of nine communities selected to launch Community Skills Initiative websites and host UpSkill-A-Thons nationally. In total, there were 1400+ UpSkill-A-Thon competitors who earned 4,100+ Career Essentials Certificates and certificates of completion.

The UpSkill-A-Thon is a free, online competition designed to engage community members and help the workforce become more prepared for in-demand roles in the digital economy. The UpSkill-A-Thon competition uses a suite of free online training resources that can be accessed locally through the Community Skills Initiative website:

“Microsoft UpSkill-A-Thon fell squarely into the mission of America’s Workforce Development Capital. Our goal is to upskill the current and future workforce and attract people to live and work in Marion County. We believe that your opportunity lies in Marion County, Ohio whether you are an employee or employer. This Microsoft grant helped with that mission. We plan to build upon this success. This UpSkill-A-Thon has shown us that people are ready and willing to train in new areas, refresh in familiar areas and prove themselves,” said Tami Galloway, America’s Workforce Development Capital program manager.

UpSkill-A-Thon participant Chelsea Glezen said, “My husband and I were a two-person team and we had a lot of fun encouraging each other and talking about the things that we learned. My husband is interested in IT but hasn’t quite done any career exploration, so the LinkedIn Learning opportunity was good for him to get a glimpse of what the IT career field looks like and earn some certificates along the way. As for myself, I am currently in an administrative assistant role. The LinkedIn Learning Administrative Professionals pathway was a lot of fun because I got to test my knowledge from my own experiences, and I learned some new tips and tricks along the way to keep organized and manage my time more efficiently.”

Team Winner and participant Jeffrey Nagle states, “The soft trainings were invaluable in helping me recognize the skills that I have, and the specific ones were really useful in showing me the ways that my training and skills already do overlap with ones that are in high demand—something that was equal parts gratifying and inspiring for me to go out and figure out new ways to apply them.”

“At Microsoft, we aim for everyone to have access to the skills, technology and opportunity needed to thrive in today’s digital economy,” said Mary Snapp, vice president of strategic initiatives for Microsoft. “We’re proud to support this UpSkill-A-Thon and help people around the country learn new skills – congrats to all participants and the winners of the competition.”

Participants in the UpSkill-A-Thon competition competed individually or in teams of two to four people, and the top winners in each of the three categories won cash prizes.

UpSkill-A-Thon Competition categories and cash prize winners include:

16-24 years old
$1,500: first place – Kayla Klugh
$1,000: second place – Evan Hunsicker
$500: third place – Nathan Wright

25 years and older
$1,500: first place – Courtney Hendrix
$1,000: second place – Ashley Stahl
$500: third place – Maria Light

Teams of 2-4
$2,000: first place – Jeffrey Nagel & Jess Lamar Reece Holler
$1,500: second place – Brandy Page & Mandy Knight
$500: third place – Kelsi Vogel & Joshua Vogel

Although the UpSkill-A-Thon is over, the skilling opportunities will continue. All courses through the Community Skills Initiative website are free and available in English and Spanish through November 2023. To learn more about visit: https://bit.ly/MTCUpSkill

Local employers, teachers, and churches are encouraged to share the CSI website as a resource for online training and upskill opportunities. Anyone can tap into the learning pathways and courses, including employers or individuals.

For more than 50 years, Marion Technical College has welcomed thousands of students and helped them achieve their next goals. From short-term certificates to associate degrees, Marion Tech offers more than 50 programs and majors to help you get to next. Marion Tech has one of the lowest tuition rates among Ohio colleges. With zero text book costs for many classes, we can help you save money and start or advance your career. Learn more about the great return on your investment at www.mtc.edu. Learn more about America’s Workforce Development Capital at America’s Workforce Development Capital | Marion, Ohio: americaswdc.com