Google and Howard University are offering free college credits in data analytics to underrepresented students. Here’s what you need to know.

This is according to data compiled by the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities. For those in the early stages of their careers, earning a degree means more than just getting a diploma. It means a big jump in the direction of a higher salary and therefore greater social and economic mobility.

But for many students, especially those from low-income and underrepresented high school backgrounds, going to college can be a daunting idea, to say the least, as many don’t believe they are worthy of pursuing high-demand, high-paying jobs, especially in STEM fields. luckThis partnership between Google, Howard University and the National Institute for Educational Equity hopes to reverse that hesitation.

Starting this fall, students in under-resourced Title 1 high schools will be able to learn the fundamentals of data analysis through our industry-recognized certification program and earn six credits from Howard University — all for free.

“This is a critical pipeline opportunity for high school students who haven’t had the exposure to potential careers in data analytics and who would otherwise fall behind,” explains Leslie Cornfield, founder and CEO of the college. National Institute for Educational Equity.

Since 2019, the organization has provided more than 25,000 underserved students in many of the country’s largest school districts, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Nashville, and Denver, with the opportunity to realize that they can actually succeed in rigorous college courses. In a short time, the lab has been so successful that even The New York Times Features in addition.

Why is data analytics important?

During the one-year program, students will Data Analytics Professional CertificationThe most popular certification on Coursera, it teaches the fundamentals of data analytics, including exposure to Tableau and SQL through hands-on projects and case studies. While classroom instructors support students with the asynchronous certification coursework, Howard University Teaching Fellows also connect with students virtually to help them master the material and provide guidance and advising.

Howard University President Ben Vinson said the school chose to participate in the program not only to extend its walls to classrooms across the country, but also as part of Howard’s commitment to truth, service and uplifting underserved communities.

“The world is becoming more and more technological, and data is, so to speak, the new currency in this fast-paced, technological, AI-driven environment,” Vinson explains. “So data science is going to be a critical core skill for future success, and we want to see underserved and underrepresented populations be highly successful in these highly technical fields.”

Data science and data analytics are one of the fastest growing fields not just in technology but in any profession. Over the next decade, Comptia Demand for data scientists and data analysts is expected to increase by 304%.

Lisa Gebelber, founder and lead of Grow with Google, the company’s technical training arm, said data analytics is a fast-growing and highly-paid field that Google believes is crucial for individuals to learn.

“It’s really good to have enduring skills and it’s important to be able to prove to people that you have those skills, and the best way to prove you have those skills is through real-life experience or qualifications,” she says. luck.

College preparation and value building

As part of Grow with Google, students have access to an employer consortium of over 150 companies, including Walmart, Marriott, and Accenture, that are looking to connect with and potentially hire top talent. Students also have access to a job board for entry-level data analytics roles that they can apply for once they earn a certification. Additionally, Grow with Google offers resume writing and other tips to help them land a job.

“This is not just about educating students on their field, but also helping them land great jobs that will lead to long-term careers,” Gebelber said.

Students who join this new partnership will also have access to Google’s new AI Foundations course, which aims to give students the confidence to further their college-level coursework and prepare them for the job market.

“We want to break down barriers to success. We want to improve student achievement in these areas. And we want to inspire student confidence in a way that not only equips them with skills in these areas, but prepares them to be more confident about going to college and being successful,” Vinson added.

Vinson says college is essential to expanding future possibilities, so students “should never stop dreaming.”

“Always know that the next step in achieving your dreams is to walk through the doors of college, because it will give you the ability, confidence and know-how to make those dreams a reality in the future.”

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