You work with Microsoft SQL Server – maybe as a developer, report writer, analyst, sysadmin, or DBA.
You want to learn more about how to make it faster and more reliable.
But your company can’t afford training. Maybe it’s a charity that needs to save every dollar to make a difference in the lives of others. Or maybe it’s a non-profit arts foundation, or a small startup that’s barely making ends meet.
We want to hear from you. We’re going to pick 25 SQL Server professionals to get access to a tailored set of training classes that focus on issues relevant to each person’s pain points.
The fine print:
- You must already have a job working with SQL Server.
- You must work for a foundation, non-profit, charity, or similar company that’s doing good work. It can totally be a for-profit company, just as long as they’re making a difference. (If you work for Ginormous Profitable Global Corporation, forget it.)
- Your company or government rules must allow you to receive free or discounted training. (Some companies prohibit their employees from accepting gifts.)
- You can be anywhere in the world. (Some of our scholarships will involve in-person training, and some will be online video training.)
32 Comments. Leave new
I’d like more information. I want to learn more features about SQL Server 2012 and it’s NEWER features.
Richard – sure, the instructions are cleverly hidden in the blog post above.
I work in non-profit but my company is just cheap. Does that qualify me?
Only one way to find out! Go for it.
how about working in a forprofit org that sells produce, that is good for the people?
Red8Rain – if the company gives the produce away to feed the homeless and needy, yes.
If the company charges money for the produce, probably not. Although if you think there’s a gray area in between, by all means, apply!
This is an exceptional idea! I worked for more than 10 years for non-profits and charities. When working in Child Protection & Animal Protection, 80% of all income had to go to programs. That left only 20% to keep the lights on, the servers running, and (sometimes) the staff housed and fed. To be able to provide the high-quality training to those working to make a difference in the world is inspiring. [sound of soap box being dragged away]
I can’t believe that you guys are offering this for us, this will be a dream comes true for me! Thank you.
Good on ya! I’m not even close to qualifying but wanted applaud this publicly 😀
Working for one of these organizations in the past, thank you so much for doing this. We never had the training dollars for this type and level of training. It made my personal learning very difficult but I broke and fixed enough things to learn what I know now. I now work for a “Ginormous Profitable Global Corporation” (even though it is not “Ginormous”, “Global”, or even a “Corporation”) they should still be able to send me to training with what they make (oh, wait they have to budget that, wait what’s a budget? lol).
As Kevin3NF stated, just wanted to applaud.
Thanks for the appreciation guys!
Thanks for the opportunity Brent Ozar and team! Do hope to be part of this!
What a good initiative!
What an incredible idea! I would be willing to provide assistance to those in my geographical area with services or training in my area of expertise as a contribution to this great concept of giving back to those who give. I may even be able to convince my company to give me the day off instead of having to burn a vacation day.
Ted – sure, sounds like that’d be a great thing to go suggest at your local user group chapter! I bet you’d find interested takers there.
This is so cool. I work for a non-profit on full-time basis, but I’m engaged as a consultant, not an employee. Am I still eligible to apply?
Patrick – if you’re a consultant, training costs are on you anyway, so no.
Hi Brent,
I am working with State Gov Dept as DBA. Am I eligible for free training ?
Dax – only if you get me free tax refunds. 😀
What a lovely idea! You all give so much to the SQL community already, but this is an extra-special thing you’re offering.
The Brent Ozar team only goes from cool to cooler! You’re great contributers to the community.
Are you still accepting applications? The form is down.
Thanks.
John – yep, the form’s working fine here – may need to try from another machine.
I probably don’t qualify, but regardless, I wanted to sincerely thank you and your amazing team for the fun yet amazing in quality articles. I always feel I gain from reading ya’ll material and have started following your personal blog as well, as your perspectives are great! Best wishes, and hope to meet you in person someday at one of the events
Awww, thanks!
As an employee of a “Ginormous Profitable Global Corporation” I would just like to say what an incredible opportunity you are providing. It really goes to show the type of company you are, and just how much you care about the sql server community. Having worked for non-profits in the past I know how hard it can be to get the funding needed for any training, let alone the quality of training you are offering.
Tip of the hat to you gentlefolk, hopefully gifs work…..
via GIPHY
Thank you Brent and Team for offering this, I sincerely appreciate it, this would be a dream come true. I work for a great non-profit Organization, I hope I am one of the 25, fingers crossed 🙂
Good Luck to all!!
I was just wondering when you guys will announce the winners for this wonderful opportunity?
Thanks.
Shayma – we’re working on it as we speak! Thanks.
Hi Brent,
Sure enough, I don’t qualify. I am 50 doing Oracle BAU work, I mean really BAU work 🙂 and now wanting to move to SQL Server but being on a single income supporting a disabled family member, I am looking for any ‘free’ SQL Server training around,do you of any such freebie around?
Please advise. Thanks.
Sure, there’s tons of it! You’re here on our blog, where we’ve got a bunch, and there’s also our YouTube channel. Enjoy!