SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Last week, Google.org and Goodwill, the leading workforce development nonprofit in the nation, announced the launch of the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator. Funded by a $10 million grant from Google.org and with the assistance of 1,000 Google volunteers, the new Goodwill initiative will enable more than one million people — including people with disabilities and disadvantages, youth, older workers, veterans and military families, and people who are transitioning back into society — to receive digital skills training over the next three years.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more than 6 million job openings in the United States. Many of these jobs remain unfilled because job applicants lack specific skills employers report they need. This innovative initiative will allow Goodwill organizations to enhance their job training programs to incorporate the ever-changing demand for new skills in the digital economy, and build the capacity of Goodwill organizations to equip their employees and participants with those skills. As part of the Digital Career Accelerator, 1,000 Google employees will volunteer with Goodwill organizations – including Goodwill Manasota – over the next three years to provide training and career coaching sessions.
Locally, Goodwill intends to focus its efforts in support of the Digital Career Accelerator in the following areas: free classes on digital literacy skills for all community members through Goodwill’s Good Neighbor Program; free digital skills training for the job seekers who come to Goodwill through its free career services program, Job Connection; and advanced digital skills training for Goodwill employees.
Goodwill Manasota is well-prepared to spearhead the digital literacy efforts throughout our region. The organization offers a multitude of training and education programs through its free career services program, Job Connection. Its employees enjoy more than 20,000 hours of on-the-clock training as an investment in the professional development of its workforce. Our local Goodwill pioneered Goodwill U, an online curriculum available to Goodwill Manasota team members and through a subscription to other Goodwills to further professional training and development.
“The initiative will enable workers to become more marketable and advance in today’s labor market,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “Digital skills are the gateway to the future of work. We are excited and energized by this opportunity and Google.org’s support and investment in this initiative.”
“Goodwill is the leading workforce development nonprofit in the United States and Google is proud to support them as they prepare more than one million people across the country to get the critical digital skills they need to be successful today and in the future,” added Jacquelline Fuller, president of Google.org. “We both share a commitment to create opportunities for everyone, and we’re excited to amplify Goodwill’s amazing work through our giving and Google volunteers.”
For more information about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2016, Goodwill Manasota served 28,207 people, placed 755 people in jobs and assisted 240 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 40 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.