The software bigwig Microsoft Sunday announced a momentous online job training effort, "Elevate America," which would help provide technical proficiency to almost 2 million Americans over the next three-year period. The resources the site would provide would enable individuals acquire technical skills needed for better employment prospects.

Working in tandem with state and local governments, Microsoft's "Elevate America" program will be offering one million vouchers for e-learning and certification classes.

A second part of the announced program will include a web site designed for helping workers gain know-how of some computer fundamentals and gain the much-needed technology skills, like using the Internet, creating resumes, and send e-mails.

The announced move by Microsoft comes in the wake of massive layoffs in the United States, and the endeavor will first kick off in the state of Washington. There has been, however, no disclosure by Microsoft with regard to the estimated cost of its "Elevate America" program.

In a statement, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire said: "Washington state is pleased to be the first state to partner with Microsoft to provide Elevate America to our residents. At the federal, state and local level, leaders are working together to help start the engine of economic growth. The private sector provides much of the spark needed to jump-start that engine."