It’s always inspiring to visit the diverse communities where Google has a presence. These trips reinforce the idea that people across America are eager to work hard and contribute meaningfully to their local areas.
This drive and optimism are what attracted me to America nearly three decades ago. It’s also what drew me to Google and its core mission: to organize global information and make it accessible and useful for everyone.
At Google, we are inherently technology optimists. We have a strong belief in the power of technology to improve lives and create positive change for individuals and communities alike.
This belief was the foundation for Grow with Google, launched in 2017. Our aim was to equip Americans with the necessary training to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and grow their businesses. Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed the remarkable outcomes that can be achieved when private sector companies like Google collaborate with public institutions and non-profit organizations. Our digital skills program is a prime example. Together, we have successfully trained eight million Americans across all 50 states.
Google Career Certificates represent another significant initiative. To date, 70,000 individuals have completed these certificates, preparing themselves for well-compensated, high-demand jobs in fields such as data analytics, IT support, project management, and user experience (UX) design. These programs are open to everyone, regardless of their educational background or whether they hold a college degree. An impressive 75% of graduates report a positive impact on their career within six months of completion, including promotions or new job opportunities.
One such success story is Natalie Burns, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in 2019. Natalie earned her Google IT Support Certificate while studying at a community college in Texas. This led to a cybersecurity position and, as I understand, a substantial salary increase. Congratulations, Natalie!
We are committed to expanding access to these valuable certificates, particularly within underserved communities.
Therefore, I am thrilled to announce the launch of a new $100 million Google Career Certificates Fund. Our goal is to enable Social Finance to reach over 20,000 American workers. This investment in the future of the American workforce has the potential to generate $1 billion in wage gains.
This fund introduces an innovative financing model. Google will contribute capital and Google.org grants, alongside providing the Career Certificate program itself. Social Finance will manage the funding, distributing it to non-profit partners like Merit America and Year Up. These organizations will provide crucial wrap-around services to learners, including career coaching, living stipends, and job placement assistance. Furthermore, we will connect students with an employer consortium of over 150 companies actively seeking to hire individuals with these in-demand skills.
This entire model is centered around student success. Participants will receive comprehensive support and training at no upfront cost. Repayment is only required once they secure employment earning at least $40,000 annually. These repayments will then be reinvested by Social Finance to support future learners, creating a sustainable and impactful cycle.
This initiative exemplifies the transformative potential of collaboration across the ecosystem—from private companies to non-profits—to broaden economic opportunities for more Americans.
I am incredibly excited about the profound impact this fund can have on individuals, their families, and their communities. Thank you again to all our partners for their dedication and support.
