In Google’s vision of higher education, Americans don’t need a college diploma to achieve economic stability.
The company will soon begin offering accelerated Google Career Certificates in three high-paying, high-growth career fields: Data analytics, project management, and user experience design.
Beginning salaries in these fields average more than $55,000.
The company, which is offering 100,000 need-based scholarships to the program, says the programs will take about six months to complete.
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In its own hiring practices, Google will consider the certificates as equivalent to a four-year degree for related entry-level roles.
The courses, which require no previous degree or prior experience, will be designed and taught by Google employees who specialize in the three fields.
The company will offer hundreds of apprenticeships and on-the-job training at Google for people completing the certificate program.
It is also establishing Google Career Certificates in Career and Technical Education high schools across the country, starting with a certificate in IT support.
Students can display the certificates on LinkedIn, printed resumes and other employment documents.
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