** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ** January 31, 2024
NAACP NEW YORK STATE CONFERENCE AND GOOGLE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND DIGITAL RESOURCES TO BLACK NEW YORKERS
New York, New York — The NAACP New York State Conference proudly announces a partnership with Google in a transformative campaign titled "Grow Together." This initiative is dedicated to empowering the Black community to embrace the digital age fearlessly, highlighting the immense opportunities within the new digital economy.
In an era defined by technological advancement, "Grow Together" aims to break down barriers and foster a sense of confidence and readiness among Black individuals toward technology. Through education, resources, and community engagement, this campaign strives to reshape mindsets and bridge the digital divide that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
“I am excited about this transformative partnership between Google and the NAACP New York State Conference, a collaboration that not only underscores a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry but also highlights the crucial role of local and hyperlocal partnerships in driving change,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to raise awareness and create unparalleled opportunities for Black individuals in technology. Together, we are not just creating opportunities, we are building a foundation for lasting change."
This partnership combines Google's technological expertise and resources with the NAACP New York State Conference's long-standing advocacy for civil rights to create a program that propels individuals toward success in the digital era. The NAACP New York State Conference will provide digital tools training through Grow with Google’s Digital Coaches, a program offering local training and coaching to help small businesses and entrepreneurs take the next step in connecting with customers, selling products online, and improving business productivity – all for free. NAACP New York State Conference will work with Google to provide access to Google Career Certificates at no cost across NY state branches. The certificates are available in Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, IT Support, Project Management, and User Experience (UX) Design. The certificates do not require a degree or experience and can be completed online within 3-6 months of part-time study. The program includes an employer consortium of over 150 companies, including Walmart, Verizon, and Google, committed to considering graduates for relevant entry-level roles.
“Google believes that the opportunities created by technology should be available to every New Yorker. We are proud to further our work with NAACP New York State through the Grow Together initiative," said William Floyd, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google. "This program will help advance the career prospects and earning potential for Black workers in the state for years to come by providing job training through the Google Career Certificates program, employers connections, and career development resources.”
“Jackie Robinson proved that when you give the Black community access to the same playing field, the same bat and the same ball, we can be just as good, if not better than anyone else. That was true in baseball and it’s true in life,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “Unfortunately, the benefits of the boom in our country’s STEM industries have too often left Black folks behind, and in Congress I have prioritized correcting these injustices and advancing racial equity in our workplaces, so that all our communities will benefit from this economic success. I applaud efforts to reverse that trend and create pathways for more diverse communities to start a career in the STEM field and achieve the great American dream for themselves and their families.”
“It isn’t an understatement to say that technology is transforming every aspect of how we live and work,” said Bryan Lozano, Director of the Tech:NYC Foundation. “The Grow Together partnership promises to create a swell of positive impact — it will not only open doors to tech jobs for Black New Yorkers, it will help create pathways to thriving wages and the skills they need to excel in a digital-first society, whatever employment path they choose to take. We’re thrilled to see this effort take off.”
“As a Member of Congress, some of the most important work that I do relates to helping Americans find employment opportunities,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). “The NAACP New York State and Google leading this initiative is valuable because it provides access to resources that break down long standing barriers that have prevented many Black Americans from working within the digital sphere. When Black people participate in the digital economy, it allows them to innovate and contribute to the global marketplace. It is critical as a country that we continue to level the playing field and ensure that everyone has a chance to thrive in the digital age.”
"Grow Together" will feature events, education opportunities, and access to digital tools and resources. By fostering a community-driven approach, the initiative will provide a platform for networking, learning, and skill-building.
The NAACP New York State Conference invites everyone to join hands in this pivotal movement toward embracing technology, transforming fear into opportunity, and creating a more inclusive digital landscape.
For more information on "Grow Together," visit nysnaacp.org/growtogether.
About NAACP New York State Conference:
The New York Chapter of the NAACP is committed to advancing the social, economic, and political equality of rights for all persons and eliminating race-based discrimination. With a legacy of 87 years, the NAACP New York State Conference continues to be at the forefront of fighting for justice and equality.
About Grow with Google
Grow with Google was started in 2017 to help Americans grow their skills, careers, and businesses. It provides training, tools, and expertise to help small business owners, veterans and military families, jobseekers and students, educators, startups, and developers. Since Grow with Google’s inception, it has helped more than nine million Americans develop new skills. Grow with Google has a network of more than 9,000 partner organizations like libraries, schools, small business development centers, chambers of commerce, and nonprofits to help people coast-to-coast.
Media Contact:
Octavius Moore
Chair, Technology
NAACP New York State Conference
media@nysnaacp.org
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