Navajo Nation President, Utah Governor and Utah Valley University Among Key Recipients to Accept Certiport's Champion of Digital Literacy Award

Public and private sector collaboration supporting Native American population provides pattern of true opportunity and future sustainability

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – March 25, 2010

Certiport today announced that Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr., President of the Navajo Nation, and Utah Governor Gary Herbert will be among four recipients honored as Champions of Digital Literacy for their efforts in promoting digital literacy – an individual's ability to understand the fundamentals of computing.

Beginning in 2006, Certiport partnered with the Navajo Nation, the state of Utah and Utah Valley University with a commitment to elevate the Navajo people using self-sustaining employability skills training and certification programs. A National Science Foundation grant helped align the collaboration in order to create and fund a program that provided Navajo youth with the current and relevant skills required to enter the digital economy.

"Bridging the digital divide while maintaining our traditions, language, values and customs is one way we will all exercise true sovereignty," President Shirley said. "Instead of sending our children off the Nation to get an education, we are working to use technology to bring education, job training and certification to our lands."

The Champions of Digital Literacy Award was established by Certiport to honor the exemplary efforts of individuals that support the adoption of digital literacy standards and reinforces Certiport's commitment to providing education to employment distance learning initiatives across the globe. Award recipients are selected based on the measurable scope and social impact of their efforts.

"Supporting the growth and culture of indigenous populations has been and continues to be an investment in our future," said Ray Kelly, president and CEO of Certiport. "Digital literacy empowers individuals from all cultures to secure career and life opportunities previously unavailable to them. When individuals of a community find inclusion into the digital world, there is no limit to what they can achieve, individually and collectively."

Mr. Val Hale from Utah Valley University and Dr. Thor Anderson, National Science Foundation Grant Principal Investigator, will also be presented with the Champion of Digital Literacy Award.

"Certiport is excited to honor these individuals whose commitments have brought about the adoption of vital digital literacy standards in their schools, organizations and communities," said Quinn Sutton, senior vice president of Certiport. "Distinguishing these champions will serve as a hallmark for excellence and create a standard for America's youth as we continue working to create successful pathways through technology."

About Certiport

Certiport is the leading provider of value-added, computerized test delivery services that include an expansive network of Certiport testing centers worldwide. Its comprehensive services encompass test development, psychometrics, program management, sales and marketing for the official Microsoft® Office certification programs, the Adobe® Certified Associate certification program, the iCritical Thinking™ Certification powered by ETS, and the Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³®). Certiport reliably delivers almost two million exams each year throughout the secondary, post-secondary, workforce and corporate technology markets in more than 142 countries and 24 languages worldwide.

"Certiport" and "IC³" are registered trademarks of Certiport, Inc. in the United States and other countries. "Microsoft" is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Press Contact:
Brenda Armstrong
1.801.602.0305
barmstrong@certiport.com