New NU Partnership with Google Supports Career and Workforce Growth in Nebraska
In a significant advancement for education and professional development in Nebraska, a groundbreaking partnership has been announced between the University of Nebraska (NU) and tech giant Google. Interim Chancellor Chris Kabrec recently unveiled this collaboration, aimed at providing University students, alumni, and the wider Nebraska community with the opportunity to gain valuable educational credentials and bolster their career trajectories.
Through this partnership, Nebraskans are now poised to benefit from Google Career Certificates, covering essential and high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, and business intelligence. This initiative aligns with Nebraska’s strategic efforts to enhance the state’s workforce competitiveness and growth.
Program Registration Details and Benefits
Pre-registration for the Google programs is officially open, offering courses across three cycles between 2024 and 2025, with starting points in August, December, and April. Availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis, providing 2,500 seats per session. Priced at an accessible rate of $20 for the first year, the program invites NU students, alumni, and all Nebraska residents to enroll.
Interim Chancellor Kabrec emphasized the importance of this initiative, particularly for its potential to provide invaluable upskilling and career advancement opportunities without the need for relocation. Highlighting the inclusivity of the program, Kabrec pointed out its readiness to serve all Nebraskans, regardless of their geographical location or personal circumstances.
The endorsement of the partnership also came from U.S. Congressman Mike Flood, who acknowledged the role of such educational programs in preparing the workforce for future job markets and driving economic growth in Nebraska.
Available Google Career Certificates
The partnership enables enrollees to access various Google career certificates designed to prepare individuals for entry-level roles through three to six months of part-time study. Areas covered include:
- Cybersecurity
- IT Support
- Data Analysis
- Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
- Project Management
- User Experience (UX) Design
Furthermore, advanced certificates are available for those with prior experience or foundational knowledge in specific fields, including IT Automation with Python and Advanced Data Analytics.
Combining these certificates with a college degree can notably enhance employability, supported by a 2023 report from the Association of American Universities, which showed significant employer favorability toward candidates with microcredentials.
The Impact of Google Career Certificates
Over 250,000 individuals in the U.S. have benefited from Google Career Certificates, with 75% reporting positive career impacts such as job acquisition, promotions, or salary increases. This program supports not only graduates and current students but also attends to the broader workforce’s need for continual skill development.
Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, expressed Google’s commitment to the partnership, aiming to invest in the Nebraskan workforce by equipping them with the necessary technological skills for economic success.
This initiative also aligns with the University of Nebraska’s broader educational and workforce development goals, as outlined by a 2022 Board of Regents objective aiming for 70% of Nebraskans to hold post-secondary credentials to meet evolving job demands.
By offering Google Career Certificates through the NU Advance platform, the University of Nebraska continues to expand access to professional development and microcredential programs, thereby fostering workforce growth and enhancing job market competitiveness at an affordable cost for Nebraskans.
Conclusion
The partnership between the University of Nebraska and Google represents a significant step forward in addressing the educational and workforce development needs of Nebraska. It provides a scalable model for enhancing skill sets, promoting career advancement, and supporting the state’s economic growth. As this program unfolds, it’s set to open new horizons for students, professionals, and the entire community in Nebraska.
