San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 2025 — In 2023, The Trust for the Americas He joined the program Microsoft TechSpark how Community Engagement Fellow, joining forces to close the social and economic gaps in Puerto Rico. In partnership with the Center for Puerto Rico, the initiative seeks to empower communities through digital skills training and the promotion of local entrepreneurship.
In April, representatives from both organizations visited Puerto Rico to strengthen their collaboration. Linda Eddelman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas, and Luz Marina Correa, the organization’s Project Manager, toured the facilities of the Center for Puerto Rico alongside its founder, Sila M. Calderón. They also participated in hands-on workshops on artificial intelligence tools designed primarily for staff members of our local partner.
Within the framework of the activities, Linda Eddleman commented: “We firmly believe that access to digital skills is key to closing social and economic gaps. Our partnership with Microsoft and the Center for Puerto Rico demonstrates how multisectoral collaboration can transform lives, empowering communities to become agents of their own development.”
Since the beginning of this collaboration, more than 1,000 people have benefited directly (87 % of whom are women) through programs focused on digital transformation and entrepreneurship. This impact is part of a national effort led by Microsoft TechSpark, which supports nonprofit organizations committed to expanding economic opportunities across the United States.
In their first year, TechSpark Fellows achieved remarkable results: they mobilized more than 177 million dollars in funding, reached 48,000 people, and collaborated with 548 organizations, reaffirming the potential of collaboration between the private sector and civil society to generate local economic development
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About The Trust for the Americas:
The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by providing people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), Trust for the Americas forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as a driver of progress in the Americas.
About Center for Puerto Rico:
The Center for Puerto Rico is a non-profit organization of the Sila M. Foundation, dedicated to empowering communities throughout Puerto Rico through social and economic development initiatives. Since its inception, the Center for Puerto Rico has focused on addressing critical needs in education, health, and economic sustainability, with a particular emphasis on strengthening marginalized populations. Through strategic collaborations with local organizations, the Center for Puerto Rico seeks to foster community resilience, expand growth opportunities, and promote sustainable development.
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