Latinx in Tech program prepares Hispanic workforce for jobs of the future

Jobs are increasingly becoming digitized and automated. Here we feature participants stories from our partnership with Google.org aimed at making sure more Latino workers have the digital skillset for the jobs of the future. 

The Latinx in Tech program offers participants the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized Google Career Certificate (IT Support, Project Management, UX Design or Data Analytics) while participating in a 12-module professional skills curriculum contextualized to the tech sector. The program’s goal is to create opportunities for Latinx jobseekers to learn new, high-demand skills and earn competitive wages in the technology field.  

Hispanics only make up 8% of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, despite making up 17% of total employment across all occupations. Additionally, Latinos are underrepresented in industries with the highest degrees of adoption of digital technologies such as professional and business services, finance and insurance, education and health services, and information and communications technology. This program aims to work towards closing these equity gaps. Here’s why Latinx in Tech program can make a difference: 

• By 2030, at least two-thirds of jobs will require some level of digital skills. 
• 75% of Google Career Certificate Graduates in the United States report an improvement in their career trajectory. 

• Tech workers can earn anywhere from 20% to 85% more than their state’s average salary, ranging from $32 to $58 an hour.

We are partnering with local community-based organizations around the country to implement the Latinx in Tech program. Here are a few participant stories: 

Latin American Association in Atlanta, GA

Karen is from Quito, Ecuador and has been living in the U.S. for 23 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was looking to level up her skills. So, she took a project management course through the Latinx in Tech program at our Affiliate organization Latin American Association in Atlanta, GA. Here’s what she had to say: “The influence of this program in my life is positive. I enjoyed this journey because the participants shared their experiences and I learned from them.”

Two months into the program, she got a full-time position as a human resources assistant. Her position is hybrid and she’s enjoying the work-life balance, “I like it because I can play with my cats in my breaks and the environment in my job is great.” 

Centro Hispano of Dane County in Madison, WI 

Angel graduated from high school two years ago and has tried his hand at various jobs from plumbing to working in a warehouse. Looking for a new career path, he enrolled in the IT support credential through the Latinx in Tech programing at our Affiliate organization Centro Hispano of Dane County in Madison, WI. He says he was inspired by his two cousins who work in the IT department of a local hospital and hopes the course gives him a support network to pursue a new career in the technology field.  

One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico in San Juan, PR 

Gustavo is one of the newest recruits to the Latinx in Tech program through our Affiliate organization One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico. He has autism and dreams of working with computers and fixing their internal problems. After contacting a case manager, and One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico arranged a meeting with him and his father. At first, Gustavo wasn’t talkative, but after half an hour, he became inquisitive towards the program and how to achieve the certification. He’s currently working toward the Google IT support courses and the One Stop team is hoping to see him flourish through Latinx in Tech.