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Hurricane Katrina devastated several states along the Gulf Coast region in what turned out to be one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history. Eighteen months last, the affected areas still find themselves struggling to rebuild their respective communities and revitalize their local economies.

In an attempt to give these areas a helping hand, Microsoft announced today its intention to donate $1.7 million in cash, software and specialized curriculum to nonprofit partners in Louisiana and Texas.

Microsoft will support existing local government, academic and nonprofit organizations as they attempt to rebuild infrastructure, technology and work-force training centers in order to help displaced residents obtain useful technological skills geared to help them launch new careers and lives in the wake of the disaster that the Hurricane left behind.

Ballmer and Xavier University president Norman Francis made the announcement at the Jefferson County Workforce Center — a work-force training and resource center for New Orleans residents, supported in part by Delgado Community College.

“In a post-Katrina world, retaining and rebuilding a skilled work force is critical to the future of the Gulf Coast economy,” Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said. “Microsoft is committed to working with our Gulf Coast partners to help expand opportunity for people and businesses throughout this fantastic region.”

“Public-private partnerships such as that between Microsoft and the communities of Louisiana are prime examples of what can be done to move our state forward and to make Louisiana even more competitive as we recover from hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu.

“I thank Microsoft for its help with this innovative initiative. Its technological expertise will provide important tools for our recovery and will help our workers — young and old alike — develop the skills they need to gain employment in the growth industries of the future.”



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