National initiative will help 6,000 people gain vital skills and earn a professional certificate
OCTOBER 7, 2021 — Goodwill of the Heartland is proud to be part of a new initiative launched by Goodwill Industries International, Facebook Elevate and Coursera to help people master social media marketing skills. As the ongoing pandemic accelerates a workforce shift toward positions that require digital skills, this partnership will help people get the training needed to navigate their careers. Small business owners who self-market also will reap benefits from this program.
While many social media marketing roles require technical training previously learned as part of advanced degree programs, this six-course program created collaboratively by Facebook Elevate and Coursera is designed for learners with no prior industry experience. The program is self-paced, online and can be completed in 20 weeks. It includes 100 hours of hands-on, project-based training. Successful completion results in an industry-recognized Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate, allowing the earner to apply for entry-level social media marketing roles.
“Goodwill of the Heartland is pleased to be participating in this important new initiative,” said Amy Winslow, career services and development manager. “We meet people each day who are determined to either get back to work or gain the skills needed to advance their existing careers. This initiative, including the funding commitment by Facebook Elevate, is going to help many people meet their professional goals.”
Facebook Elevate is providing funding to Goodwill, North America’s leading workforce development nonprofit, to distribute 6,000 scholarships, which will cover the full cost of the training program.
“Companies across the globe are rapidly changing and seeking diverse talent with digital skills. The new Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate Program is a helpful tool for job seekers to grow their digital skills and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Judy Toland, vice president and head of scaled solutions, global business marketing at Facebook.
Community members can learn more about this program as well as register for upcoming online information sessions by visiting the Goodwill of the Heartland website:
https://www.goodwillheartland.org/social-marketing/