n tandem with the FCC’s bid to accelerate broadband usage around the United States, WestHost, a Utah based Web hosting company, is assisting higher education by offering Utah college students free Web hosting in a bid to elevate their digital literacy in the global marketplace.
Under the Webucation program, one year of shared Web hosting will be offered to all students with an .EDU email extension at no cost, allowing them to post online resumes, WordPress blogs, or start a small e-commerce website.
WestHost launched the new program as part of its ongoing effort to help future small business owners prepare themselves for global competition from countries such as China and India.
“Forbes Magazine has just ranked Utah the best state for Business and Careers in 2011,” said Jeff Hunsaker, President – US Operations. “We wanted to give something back to the educational community which will be the future engine for SMB growth in Utah and nationally.”
WestHost reports that while students are interested in blogging and e-commerce they want to know more about basic concepts such as website design, online marketing and sever administration.
“We need to engage students in digital marketing and the infrastructure that drives the World Wide Web,” said Hunsaker. “Their counterparts in Asia are often interacting at a much deeper level with Web server platforms. Our webucation program seeks to give them an edge.”
The FCC reports that two-thirds of U.S. small businesses rely on broadband Internet for their day-to-day operations. Further, a number of them deploy business websites using free software such as Joomla and WordPress – all freely available on the WestHost platform.
“Our goal is to get students ready for this SMB environment and offer alternative ways to find jobs in a depressed economic climate,” said Hunsaker. “In a sense, we are offering a free Information Technology course focused on the ‘engine room’ of the Internet.”
Beginning Jan. 2012, WestHost plans to introduce workshops for the students, covering website design, search engine optimization keyword strategies, and even Linux administration for those with a more ambitious slant.
Even students without an .EDU email extension may qualify but will need to provide proof of student status. The program will be presented “advertisement free” and students will not be pressured into continuing their hosting contract after one year.
About WestHost
WestHost has had a singular goal since its inception in 1998: provide the most powerful, secure Web hosting environment for clients around the world at an affordable price. As a subsidiary of the UK2 Group, a significant player in the European and U.S. Web hosting markets, WestHost provides domain name registration and website hosting to global customers. Having garnered various industry awards, WestHost is committed to providing reliable, cutting-edge products and services at a great value, underpinned with superior client support. For more information about WestHost, visit http://www.westhost.com