SAN JOSÉ, Calif.,
May 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is written
by Rowena M. Tomaneng, Ed.D.,
President, San José City College, a member of the American
Association of Community Colleges: In the heart of Silicon
Valley, San José City College (SJCC) is pioneering a unique
approach to education in partnership with Google. The launch of the
Google IT Apprenticeship Program signals a new era for students
pursuing careers in information technology (IT) in our nation's
community colleges.
A visionary partnership
Google, one of the Bay Area's major employers, chose SJCC as its
inaugural partner college for the California program. The program is designed to
empower students with real-world experience and certifications to
prepare them for entry-level roles in IT support.
SJCC works closely with Google to select students for
apprenticeships. In its commitment to education and opportunity,
Google also covers tuition for participating SJCC students. The
students undergo a competitive application and interview process
and are selected for apprenticeship training at Google's
Sunnyvale campus, where they take
on a rigorous curriculum and structured training to become
certified IT specialists.
The program provides 144 instructional hours in the classroom,
where students analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing
network systems during their coursework. Students also can earn a
CompTIA and Google dual credential, enhancing their employability
in the industry. The Google IT apprenticeship program currently has
fifteen students learning with on-the-job training hours with Easy
Donate, a nonprofit organization that links other nonprofits with
volunteer opportunities.
Expanding opportunities through grants
To expand the program, the California Community Colleges
Chancellor's Office awarded SJCC a $490,990 Rising Scholars Network grant to partner
with the County of Santa Clara Elmwood Correctional Facility. This
groundbreaking initiative brings Google IT data communications
network apprenticeships to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated
individuals, addressing the needs of under-represented
groups.
The Google IT apprenticeship program is working with 25 Rising
Scholar students to enhance pathway opportunities. The hands-on,
project-based approach to learning holds a powerful appeal for
students and employers alike. Graduates of the program will receive
employment opportunities while their skills are fresh.
The partnership between SJCC, Santa
Clara County, and the Elmwood Correctional Facility
demonstrates a commitment to providing educational opportunities
that lead to meaningful employment and rehabilitation. By
fostering innovative partnerships, providing cutting-edge training,
and championing student success, SJCC is leading the way in
preparing the next generation of IT professionals.
Uniquely American, community colleges serve more than 10
million students annually, providing critical access to higher
education in academic and workforce development. As
the voice of the nation's community colleges, the American
Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and
economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in
search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and
success for all students, AACC's member colleges provide an on-ramp
to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages.
Located in Washington, D.C., AACC
advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to
ensure they have the resources and support to increase economic
mobility for all. https://www.aacc.nche.edu/
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SOURCE American Association of Community Colleges