New Microsoft Flagship store offers free community space for local groups

Half of second floor has been allocated for a Community Theater to seat 60 guests that will serve as workshop and training space for local community organizations, all at no cost.

Chris Dupres Neowin @blaktron · Oct 25, 2015 21:04 EDT · Hot! with 2 comments

The new Flagship Microsoft Store, opening Monday, October 26th, will be setting aside a considerable amount of space for local community groups, enough for 60 guests. The space will be offered at no cost to for organizations to gather for group trainings, individual appointments, seminars and other activities focused on technology and STEM education.

The new store will staff a pair of Community Development Specialists, Kerianne DeSantis and Allison Knight, that will be responsible for ensuring the space is being regularly used and that organizations that need the use know about it and can schedule into it. Sessions will be ongoing during regular store hours, and Microsoft is hoping it becomes a hub for the local community. There is also an effort being made to highlight the cultural diversity of the staff, claiming more than 19 languages spoken by associates, and the regular volunteer hours the employees participate in around the community.

As part of the Grand Opening festivities, Microsoft will be offering a $3 million technology grant to 14 local organizations, listed below, many of whom were said will be using the Community Theater when it opens.