The world is evolving, and technology is on the forefront. While our Historically Black Colleges and Universities know this, it is not always easy to craft the strategy for each campus. Increasing opportunities in tech for students requires not just a plan, but the resources to make an impact.
Almost two out of every three jobs in the United States demand medium to advanced skills. However, an estimated fifty percent of Black professionals seeking employment lack these digital skills.
Dr. Harry L. Williams, the President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) knew he needed to do something to prepare more HBCU students. TMCF is the nation’s largest organization specifically representing the Black college community, so the potential for a positive impact was vast. TMCF is known for its tireless work to promote student success through education, leadership development, and overall preparation for the workforce.
Today, TMCF proudly announced a partnership with Google, where together they will launch the Grow with Google Career Readiness Program. As part of the deal, Grow with Google training will become embedded in the career centers at several HBCUs. The program provides crucial resources such as funding, digital skills workshops, and customized content for jobseekers.
Four HBCUs will initially begin program: Bowie State University, Southern University A&M College, Virginia State University, and Winston-Salem State University and Southern University A&M College. By January, Grow with Google will be offered in a total of twenty HBCUs. By Fall 2021, all HBCUs will have this program available to them.
Google has maintained a long-standing commitment to HBCUs. Beginning in 2013, the Google In Residence program placed long been committed to HBCUs. Beginning in 2013, the Google In Residence program brought in Google software engineers to HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) to teach computer science classes. Google’s virtual Tech Exchange program also works in partnership with select HBCUs and HSIs to teach social capital and applied computer science skills to these students. The Grow with Google initiative has ultimately trained over five million Americans on digital skills since 2017.
By featuring Grow with Google at HBCU career centers, both students and alumni will gain access to the tools and training that will help them to both secure a job and excel at it. HCBUs disproportionately serve low-income and first-generation students who may be less prepared academically than their peers. As a result, this landmark partnership will have immediate effects. Over 20,000 HBCU students will be trained with this program over the next school year!
We encourage you to visit TMCF’s website to learn more about this opportunity, and how your HBCU can become involved.
