DC Mayor Announces Deal With Microsoft | News

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- DC Mayor Vincent Gray announced a deal with Microsoft to train citizens during a press conference on Wednesday.

Gray said that people were working on apps at tech meet-ups to hail cabs, fix meals and more, reports 9NEWS NOW's Bruce Johnson.

In a press release from the mayor's office via email, the partnership with Microsoft aims to bring "increased technology access and computer-skills training to District residents, provide new resources for teachers and students and implement development initiatives aimed at helping District-based small businesses."

To do reach that goal, the Department of Employment Services will give training on basic technology tools to residents and DC Public Schools will give its teachers more access to tecnology resources as part of the Digital Alliance with Microsoft.

The release included this statement from the mayor: 

"This strategic relationship between the District government and Microsoft is an important step towards helping our citizens expand their employment opportunities and providing pioneering technology to our classrooms - paving the way for future generations of District residents with the technological skills that will make them attractive to employers."

Follow Bruce on Twitter (@brucejohnson9) for updates. He will have more from the conference on 9News Now at 5.

RELATED: More Info On The Partnership via Microsoft