Upskilling for Opportunity, Google Partners with City
July 28, 2022
ALBUQUERQUE – The City’s Economic Development Department (EDD) is partnering with Google to teach 500 residents in-demand job skills for careers in technology through the Google Career Certificate program. The Certificates are in the high-growth fields of Data Analytics, Digital Marketing and E-commerce, IT Support, Project Management, and UX Design. The online program can be completed in three to six months of part-time study—with no degree or experience required. After finishing the program, graduates are connected with an employer consortium of over 150 companies— including Deloitte, Ford, Verizon, Walmart, and Google—that consider them for relevant roles. This partnership between Google and the City of Albuquerque is the first of its kind between the tech company and a governmental entity in New Mexico.
“We’re breaking down barriers for those in our city who are hungry for new skills and investing in Albuquerque workers,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Through this new partnership with Google, we have scholarships coming to 500 residents to participate in career certification classes, job coaching, and then tap in to a network of firms looking to hire folks with these tech skills.”
“With our focus on making New Mexico a technology hub, this partnership could not have come at a better time,” said Charles Ashley III, director of EDD. “These courses are a tool for New Mexicans to craft their futures, providing an upskilling opportunity that does not necessitate a secondary education.”
Designed and taught by Google employees, each certificate includes over 150+ practice and graded assessments, quizzes, or writing assignments to ensure rigor and mastery. Top employers vet each certificate to ensure the skills being taught align with the needs of the industry. The program also provides resources to help students land a job, such as resume templates, coaching from Career Circle, and interview practice with Big Interview.
Launched in 2018, over 70,000 people have graduated from the program in the U.S. Seventy-five percent of them report a positive career impact—such as a new job, higher pay, or a promotion—within six months of completion, and 55 percent of graduates identify as Asian, Black, or Latino.
These training programs are regularly available online for the public to access at a price point of $39 per month. However, this partnership between EDD and Google will provide 500 scholarships to New Mexicans that will allow them to participate in the program at no-cost. Today’s announcement builds on over 100,000 need-based scholarships released for Google Career Certificate learners in the U.S. To learn more, visit grow.google.
We will accept applications beginning Aug. 15. Individuals interested can apply at: