Visiting communities across America reinforces a powerful truth: people everywhere are eager to work hard and contribute meaningfully. This drive and optimism are precisely what drew me to America decades ago and what resonates deeply with Google’s mission – to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. We are, at our core, technology optimists, firmly believing in technology’s potential to improve lives globally.
This optimism fueled the launch of Grow with Google in 2017, an initiative designed to equip Americans with the necessary training to advance their skills, careers, and businesses. Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed the remarkable impact of public-private partnerships. Our digital skills program, for instance, has successfully trained eight million individuals across all 50 states through collaborative efforts.
Another impactful example is the Google Career Certificates program. To date, 70,000 Americans have completed these certificates, preparing themselves for high-demand, well-paying jobs in fields like data analytics, IT support, project management, and user experience (UX) design. These career-focused programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of their educational background. An impressive 75% of graduates report positive career outcomes within six months of completion, including promotions or new job placements.
Take Natalie Burns, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in 2019. Natalie’s story is a testament to the program’s effectiveness. While attending community college in Texas, she earned her Google IT Support Certificate and subsequently secured a cybersecurity role with a significant salary increase. Congratulations again, Natalie!
We are committed to expanding access to these transformative Google Career Certificates, particularly within underserved communities. To further this commitment, I am thrilled to announce the establishment of a new $100 million Google Career Certificates Fund. Our goal is to empower Social Finance to reach over 20,000 American workers, an investment that has the potential to generate $1 billion in wage gains for America’s workforce.
This innovative fund employs a unique financing model. Google will contribute capital and Google.org grants, alongside providing the Career Certificate program infrastructure. Social Finance will channel funding to nonprofit partners such as Merit America and Year Up. These organizations will provide crucial wrap-around services, including career coaching, living stipends, and job placement assistance. Furthermore, we will connect learners with an employer consortium of over 150 companies actively seeking to hire individuals with these in-demand skill sets.
This entire framework is centered around student success. Participants will receive comprehensive support at no upfront cost and will only begin repayment once they secure employment earning at least $40,000 annually. Social Finance will then reinvest these repayments to support future learners, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this impactful model.
This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration across the ecosystem – from private sector companies to nonprofit organizations – in creating pathways to economic opportunity for more Americans. I am incredibly enthusiastic about the transformative potential of this fund for individuals, families, and communities nationwide. Thank you again to all our partners for your unwavering dedication and support.
