TechFluent Academy plans a new training cohort, seeks Dynamics and Power Platform mentors

TechFluent Academy has announced plans for a new training program focused on Dynamics 365 CE, Power Platform, and Power BI. For its newest cohort, the nonprofit is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to train 40 Minnesotans in Microsoft Power BI and Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement, and Power Platform. 

The program, which runs from July 8, 2025 to March 20,2026 aims to help participants earn Microsoft certifications and secure employment, contributing to Minnesota’s economic development.

TechFluent’s goal is to empower under-resourced communities through education and tech jobs. 

“This gives TechFluent Academy an opportunity to be a part of workforce innovation in our home state,” said Carol Smock, acting executive director of TechFluent Academy. “It gives us an opportunity to stabilize and improve the processes of our program in general and continue building our program.”

The upcoming program is open to individuals age 18 and older who have completed high school and are seeking to enter the tech industry or learn new skills. Participants will undergo certification training in Power BI, Dynamics 365 CE, and Power Platform.

The training program is structured as intensive, hands-on learning, with classes running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Each day features a different curriculum, so participants can expect to cover a wide range of topics throughout the duration of the program. 

Training will take place in person in Minneapolis. Some hybrid learning will be offered, such as self-study and Live-Virtual Training to expose Learners to all training methods. 

Support for job seekers: Training and mentorship

Funding through DEED covers 40 learners, and TechFluent is actively seeking mentors to support these learners. 

“We are looking for well-connected, well-seasoned, well-networked Microsoft industry experts who can help our learners understand what it’s like to have a career in this space,” Smock said. “The mentor’s role is to help them gain the knowledge and connections they need to start a career in tech.”