A free online learning program from Microsoft is helping middle and high school students think about careers they might like to pursue and the skills necessary to attain those careers.

CareerForward debuted in Michigan two years ago when the state became the first in the nation to require students to have an online learning experience before they graduate from high school. It was developed through a public-private partnership between the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Virtual University, and Microsoft.

Alabama recently became the second state in the nation to adopt an online-learning requirement for high school graduation, and in May the Alabama Department of Education announced plans to implement CareerForward statewide for the 2009-10 school year. State education officials said they hope the program will make students college- and career-ready and will leave them equipped with the 21st-century skills necessary to compete in a global economy.

Via E-School News