PROVIDENCE – In an effort to boost the state’s slumping economy, a local computer training firm is offering grants for as much as $50,000 worth of Microsoft Office training for Rhode Island companies and organizations.

LearningGate Computer Learning Centers said companies that are currently using or preparing to begin using the Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 editions will be eligible for up to $50,000 in LearningGate training.

The grants will be awarded based on the strength of a company or organization’s general training program, and will be delivered using LearningGate’s Mobile On-Demand Instruction, which uses streaming video lectures.

The ongoing turmoil in the economy has forced many companies to pare back their budgets, the company noted in a news release. “This program will allow companies that are faced with reductions in their budgets to jumpstart their learning and get the training that they need immediately, with no cost or obligation for future training,” said Richard Brown, LearningGate’s director of strategic alliance.

The company was inspired to create the program, Brown said, after attending the Sept. 18 Rhode Island Innovation Awards and Tech Laureates Night, which was co-sponsored by Providence Business News, the R.I. Economic Development Corporation and the Tech Collective.

For more information, visit www.learninggate.com.

Clarification: Oct. 29, 2008

The original version of this article said LearningGate’s mobile courses include an iPod program. However, the company has clarified that the iPod learning unit is not a part of the grant being offered.