Jaquayvius’s (Jay) career path took a few twists and turns before he landed the role he really wanted. After working briefly in retail, he tried his hand at finance but quickly realized it wasn’t for him and wanted to explore a career in tech. Intrigued by the Google Career Certificates, Jay enrolled in the Google IT Support Certificate because he wanted skills he could use in the job market right away. After he completed his certificate, Jay decided to enroll at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) to continue building his skills in IT and complete his Associates Degree in Computer Science. Both of these credentials helped him secure an internship at a website and cloud based software company where he now works as a server support technician.

Jay is one of many real life examples of how combining a Google Career Certificate with a degree can help create better career opportunities. When combining a high-quality, industry-recognized certificate with a degree, labor market data from 2021 shows that graduates have access to more job opportunities and earn higher wages. For example, a psychology major who also acquires data analysis skills will qualify for more than 100,000 additional entry-level jobs. The certificates can unlock these additional opportunities and even higher wages; psychology majors who acquire IT management skills can increase their entry-level salary by 35%. More students like Jay are recognizing this opportunity. In fact, 74% of U.S. students are more likely to enroll in a degree program that offers industry microcredentials.

That’s why today we’re announcing a new partnership with Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) to offer Google Career Certificates to students across Philadelphia. Google Career Certificates are online, self-paced training and certificate programs that can be completed in as little as six months. They’re designed to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market. In the six Google Career Certificate fields — cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce, IT support, project management, and user experience (UX) design — there are approximately 2 million jobs open in the U.S.

In addition to the Google Career Certificates, all CCP students will have access to Google AI Essentials — an online course that teaches foundational AI skills, AI best practices and how to use AI responsibly, no degree or previous experience required.

Students who participate in the Google Career Certificate program have access to our employer consortium of more than 150 companies — including greater Pennsylvania-based companies like Expedient, SAP, Project Management Institute, CMI Media Group, and of course, Google — that commit to considering Google Career Certificate graduates for relevant roles. More than 250,000 people have graduated from the Google Career Certificate program in the U.S. and 75% of graduates report positive career outcomes (new job, promotion, or raise) within six months of certificate completion.

To learn more about bringing Google Career Certificates to your educational institution or system, visit grow.google/edu.