Microsoft Office Essentials – Word, PowerPoint, & Excel
Monday, August 17, 2026 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Monday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Students may receive a free laptop with this course, based on meeting eligibility requirements. * Full course completion is required.

Please complete our application first in the 'How to Participate' section. The application is also available on our website, techforsuccess.org.

Microsoft Software Essentials provides learners with comprehensive training in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Participants will develop proficiency in creating and formatting documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, enabling them to navigate these essential software tools with ease. From understanding document organization and formatting in Microsoft Word to acquiring data entry and calculation skills in Excel, and finally, creating impactful presentations with PowerPoint, this course ensures participants are well-equipped with the foundational skills necessary for success in various professional settings. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, covering everything from creating and saving documents to advanced formatting techniques and effective collaboration through the sharing of documents and presentations. Upon completion, participants will have the skills needed to thrive in workplaces where Microsoft Office proficiency is essential.

Course is offered year-round. Scheduled dates will be listed on our website here.

The in-person instructor led course is at our headquarters in Minneapolis.

In addition to the application, please complete our pre-essentials course assessment here.

This course is only offered in person at our headquarters in Minneapolis. We do not offer this course online.

Course Level: Introductory Beginner 

After you complete our course and pass the exam, we offer career exploration and job support through our MTFS Gather Program.

How to Participate

For more information about Minnesota Tech for Success, please visit our information session here

The first step is to complete our application here.

Once the application is complete, we will contact you directly to proceed with the enrollment steps.

In addition to the application, please complete our pre-essentials course assessment here.

Office visits are by appointment only. 

Visit our website here.

Outcomes

Students will receive a certificate of course completion

Students who complete the course, will have the skills needed to thrive in workplaces where Microsoft Office proficiency is essential.

Program Costs

Minnesota Tech for Success (MTFS) is a tuition-based training program, which means there is a cost to take our courses. MTFS is not a free training program. However, some students may be eligible for specific grants offered through MTFS or one of our employment service provider partners. If you are eligible for and receive grant funding, the grant may cover 100% of the cost of your MTFS training, so you would not have to pay for the training.

Different grants have different eligibility requirements. The factors listed below are examples of circumstances that may be considered when determining eligibility for certain grants. Meeting one or more of these criteria does not guarantee that you will qualify for a grant or receive funding. Eligibility depends on the specific requirements of the grant program and your individual circumstances.

Examples of factors that may be considered include being an individual of color, lacking a high school diploma, experiencing unstable housing, being unemployed for 15 or more weeks within the past 52 weeks, or having a criminal record. Other factors may include having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), living with a disability, or having limited skills proficiency.

You may also be eligible for certain grants if you receive unemployment benefits (UI), TANF/MFIP/DWP, SNAP, free or reduced-price school lunch, or SSI/SSDI benefits. Other circumstances that may be considered for certain grants include having a basic skills deficiency, being a qualified military spouse, or being affected by a non-work-related injury or illness.

If you are already working with an employment counselor, case manager, or other workforce development professional, you may already have access to training funds through their program. We recommend speaking with them first to find out whether you have available funding that can be used toward the cost of MTFS training.

For students currently enrolled in MN WIOA workforce development programs, Minnesota Tech for Success is licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, is WIOA-approved, and can be found on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Your employment counselor can help you determine whether you are eligible for WIOA funding or other workforce development funds that may cover the cost of your MTFS training.

Who to Contact for More Information

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