Program is part of Grow with Google initiative to provide free training for vital digital skills
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 13, 2018) – Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is receiving a $300,000 grant to support an expansion of the organization’s digital skills training. The Charlotte-area nonprofit is one of 11 Goodwill organizations nationwide to be recognized as a Digital Change Agent through the new Goodwill Digital Career AcceleratorSM initiative.
The funds will be used to broaden the technology courses offered by the organization’s training division, Goodwill University. Many expanded training programs will provide industry-recognized credentials for more than 825 eligible individuals in the Charlotte region over the next three years.
Goodwill currently provides computer and employability skills training, including basic computer literacy for those living in the digital divide, and productivity tools courses for middle-skills jobs. With these additional funds, Goodwill is expanding its digital skills trainings to provide new advanced courses to individuals who qualify, free of charge. New trainings will add a focus on A+ certification/helpdesk support, cloud technology, code immersion, Salesforce and web development.
“Through deeply-rooted partnerships with area employers, we know that there is a huge need in our community for these professionals,” said Marvin Kelley, senior development and training specialist for Goodwill University. “Our new courses allow people to make themselves more marketable with in-demand skills that coincide with high-demand careers in our area.”
The $10 million investment by Google.org is part of a new initiative called Grow with Google to help create economic opportunity for Americans. “This is only the beginning, and we look forward to working alongside Goodwill to support their goal of equipping 1.2 million people with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital economy,” said Jacquelline Fuller, president of Google.org.
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is receiving the highest award possible, serving as leaders in digital skills expansion and training across the network. The recognition is a result of Goodwill’s continued pursuit to address the digital divide and help community members gain family-sustaining employment.
“Google’s support is enabling us to equip more people with the capacity to advance their careers and improve their lives,” said Dr. Dana McDonald, director of Goodwill University. “Skills-based trainings, like the ones we’re adding with this grant, lead to long-term economic mobility for individuals, their families and the greater community.”
The new advanced classes are being offered on varying schedules, with flexible study hours are available including daytime and evenings.
Additional program benefits include:
- Blended learning and case management
- Job placement and retention assistance
- Paid voucher for certification exam
- Practice quizzes and online learning materials
- Hands-on learning labs
- Resume building and interview prep
Goodwill offers training courses that are accessible to all skill levels. No technology is required, as Goodwill and its partners will equip students with the means to participate.
Individuals interested in learning more about Goodwill’s digital programs can complete an interest form at goodwillsp.org/it-training.
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About Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
Goodwill has been serving individuals and families in the Southern Piedmont region of North and South Carolina for more than 50 years. Goodwill operates 24 retail stores and has more than 30 donation sites in the region. Proceeds from the sale of donated goods fund job training and employment services for individuals facing obstacles to employment such as lack of skills, experience or education, and those with criminal backgrounds. In 2017, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont provided employment services to more than 12,600 individuals thanks to donations and purchases from the community. For more information, visit goodwillsp.org.
Facebook.com/GoodwillSP | Twitter & Instagram: @GoodwillSP | LinkedIn: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
About Grow with Google
Grow with Google is an initiative to help create economic opportunities for Americans drawing on Google’s 20-year history of building products, platforms and services that help people and businesses grow. Through programs like these, we aim to help everyone – those who make up the workforce of today and the students who will drive the workforce of tomorrow – access the best of Google’s training and tools to grow their skills, careers and businesses.
Media Contacts
Samantha Story | Public Relations & Communications Manager | Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont | Direct: (704) 332-0262 | Email: sam.story@goodwillsp.org
Melinda Wilshire | Director, Marketing & Communications | Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont | Direct: (704) 916-1616 | Cell: (443) 540-0593 | Email: melinda.wilshire@goodwillsp.org
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