Since welaunchedGrow with Google a little over a year ago, we’ve traveled to cities and towns, partnering with local organizations fromKansas toMichigan toSouth Carolina to bring job skills to job seekers and online savvy to small businesses. No matter where we went, big cities or small towns, libraries were at the heart of these communities.
To support the amazing work of libraries throughout the country, Google and the American Library Association are launching the Libraries Ready to Code website, an online resource for libraries to teach coding and computational thinking to youth. Since we kicked off this collaboration last June, thirty libraries across the U.S. have piloted programs and contributed best practices for a “by libraries, for libraries” hub. Now, the 120,000 libraries across the country can choose the most relevant programs for their communities.
Libraries have long been America’s go-to gathering place for learning. Now more than ever, people are using libraries as resources for professional growth. And libraries are stepping up: 73% of public libraries are making free job and interview support available in their communities.
That’s why starting in January, we’ll also work hand-in-hand with libraries around the country, using technology to help ensure that economic opportunity exists for everyone, everywhere. We’ll bring Grow with Google in-person workshops for job seekers and small businesses, library staff trainings, and ongoing support to libraries in all 50 states.
We’re also announcing a $1M sponsorship to the American Library Association, creating a pool of micro-funds that local libraries can access to bring digital skills training to their community. An initial group of 250 libraries will receive funding to support coding activities during Computer Science Education Week. Keep an eye out for a call for applications from the ALA as Grow with Google comes to your state.
Google is proud to partner with libraries all over the country to ensure economic opportunities for more Americans.
