The landscape of education and career development is constantly evolving, demanding innovative approaches to ensure students are well-prepared for the future workforce. As technology reshapes industries, acquiring digital skills has become paramount for career success. Recognizing this critical need, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the nation’s largest organization dedicated to the Black college community, has partnered with Google to launch the Grow With Google Hbcu Career Readiness Program. This initiative is designed to equip students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the essential digital skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
TMCF understands firsthand the transformative power of education, especially for first-generation college students. However, traditional education alone is no longer sufficient. Studies reveal a significant gap between the skills students acquire and the skills employers demand. A concerning statistic from the Economist Intelligence Unit highlights that only 44% of young adults believe their education provides them with the necessary skills for employment. This skills gap is particularly pronounced within the Black community, where a staggering 50% of job seekers lack crucial digital skills, despite nearly two-thirds of U.S. jobs requiring medium to advanced digital proficiency.
The Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program directly addresses this challenge by integrating Grow with Google training into HBCU career centers. This strategic partnership aims to train 20,000 HBCU students in digital skills within the upcoming academic year. HBCUs play a vital role in educating a diverse student body, often serving students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds who may face unique academic and professional hurdles. This program is specifically tailored to support these students by providing crucial funding, hands-on digital skills workshops, and customized job seeker resources directly within their career centers. By embedding these resources within the HBCU ecosystem, the program ensures accessibility and relevance for students and alumni alike, empowering them to secure meaningful employment and excel in their chosen fields.
Initially launched at Bowie State University, Virginia State University, Winston-Salem State University, and Southern University A&M College, the Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program is rapidly expanding its reach. By January 2021, the program encompassed 20 HBCUs across the nation and is projected to be available to all HBCUs by Fall 2021. This widespread accessibility underscores the commitment to democratizing digital skills education and ensuring that HBCU graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to lead and innovate in the digital age. The program is not just about bridging a skills gap; it’s about fostering equity and opportunity, empowering HBCU students to become the next generation of leaders and change-makers in a technology-driven world.
