Microsoft (News - Alert) is expanding programs and support for U.S. veterans as they transition into civilian jobs.

Announced in conjunction with a plan from President Barack Obama, the company’s Elevate America initiative has Microsoft partnering with non-profit organizations to provide skills training, job placement and support services to help prepare U.S. veterans and their spouses to be successful in the civilian workforce.

In addition, Microsoft will expand the Elevate America initiative by partnering with the U.S. Department of Labor to distribute 10,000 technology training and certification packages to veterans. The resources will be provided over two years though Department of Labor One-Stop Career Centers, which provide assistance to job seekers.

Microsoft’s commitment to providing training to veterans now totals $12 million in cash, product and other services.  

Microsoft will also recruit veterans through its Military2Microsoft program, which assists U.S. veterans and those serving in the National Guard and Reserve transition into the civilian workforce and find job opportunities within Microsoft.

In a blog post, Curt Kolcun, vice president of the U.S. Public Sector at Microsoft, says the company applauds Obama “for continuing to draw attention to this very important issue, supporting veterans, as they move from the military to civilian life, and ensuring they are fully supported and see great success along the way.”

“Microsoft also understands the need in this area,” he adds. “As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the board of the United Service Organizations, these issues resonate and are deeply personal. I am proud to work for a company that is committed to offering solutions to help our veterans.”

“Our servicemen and women are amazing leaders. Through our collective efforts, we are working to enhance their competencies and provide the resources that help veterans see success,” he added.

The need for the new initiative is present. As of June, 1 million U.S. veterans were unemployed and the jobless rate for post-9/11 veterans was 13.3 percent, according to government data.

Obama says he is offering a comprehensive plan to lower veteran unemployment and ensure that service members leave the military career-ready through hiring tax credits, private sector commitments, and reforms to improve how service members are prepared, trained and educated for life after the military.

Among the organization/businesses which joined Obama for announcing the initiative on Friday were: the American Legion, VFW, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and representatives from Humana, Veterans on Wall Street, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Edison Electric Institute, Microsoft, AT&T, Hewlett-Packard, Accenture, Walmart, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell (News - Alert), Code for America, SCORE, Futures, Inc. and Siemens.

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