Microsoft TechSpark and Covenant House Ignite Economic Innovation and Opportunity

Kerry ReifelEvents

Covenant House Alaska is excited to announce its collaboration with Microsoft TechSpark to promote inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation in Alaska. Through this partnership, Covenant House Alaska aims to address the challenges faced by vulnerable youth in the state and leverage technology to empower them for a brighter future.

Covenant House Alaska plays a vital role in providing shelter, education, and employment opportunities to young people facing adversity. With the support of Microsoft TechSpark, Covenant House Alaska will be able to enhance its impact and extend its reach to a broader audience.

Microsoft’s grant to Covenant House Alaska will fund a TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow, who will work closely with local partners to drive initiatives focused on computer science education, digital skilling, and digital inclusion. This Fellowship represents the first-ever TechSpark collaboration in the state of Alaska and reflects Microsoft’s commitment to supporting underserved communities nationwide.

Covenant House Alaska CEO, Alison Kear said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft TechSpark to create greater opportunities for the youth in Alaska. This partnership will enable us to leverage technology and innovation to address the unique challenges faced by homeless and at-risk youth, empowering them to build a brighter future.”

Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Philanthropies, highlights the significance of expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, stating, “we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity.”

Microsoft TechSpark’s expansion focuses on four key areas: digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation. The program has already made a substantial impact in the eight communities it operates in, and Covenant House Alaska.

Covenant House Alaska provides a wide breadth of housing, education and workforce development designed as a one-fits-one approach to serving every teen and youth adult in need of our services to help them become the best versions of themselves.  Covenant House Alaska aims to break the cycle of homelessness and empower young people to thrive.