No degree or prior experience needed to access these life-altering skills

MARCH 9, 2022 — More than 100 scholarships are available to motivated community members who want to advance or move into higher paying technology jobs.

The scholarships, part of a collaboration between Goodwill, Google and Coursera, can be used to access training and earn credentials in several Google Career courses. These include IT Support Professional, Automation with Python, UX Web Design, Data Analytics and Project Management. Credentials correspond to high-demand careers with family-sustaining wages.

The collaboration includes some additional funding for career assessment, learning support, wrap-around services and job search or promotion assistance.

“We are proud of this partnership and our ability to provide necessary training to meet local workforce needs,” said Amy Winslow, career services and development manager at Goodwill of the Heartland.

In our post-pandemic economy, the need for digital literacy has never been stronger. According to the World Economic Forum, automation will create 58 million more jobs than it displaces by the end of 2022. With so many career opportunities on the horizon, Goodwill is partnering with Google and other tech companies to make sure the local workforce is poised to take advantage of this shift.

Local talent interested in this opportunity should be at least 18 years of age, have 9th grade English and math skills, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (or currently be pursuing a diploma or equivalent). Preference is given to people without four-year or other advanced U.S. degrees, and no prior experience is required. At least 50 percent of those enrolled will live in a household with income under 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Goodwill of the Heartland strives to create classrooms that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

“This program, part of the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator, helps job seekers and mid-career professionals attain the skills they need to find work and enhance their earnings potential,” added Winslow.

Anyone interested in a career path aligned with one or more Grow with Google certificate programs is invited to reach out to Winslow for additional information or visit our website for detailed course descriptions and availability.

###

About Goodwill of the Heartland

Our mission is to help people reach their full potential through education, training and the power of work. We accomplish this through life and job skill development, work experience, job placement assistance, day habilitation, veteran reintegration, supported community living and workforce development throughout our 19-county service area. We operate 18 retail locations, which accept and sell donated goods, to fuel our mission. Learn more: www.goodwillheartland.org, 1-866-466-7881.