Grow with Google Career Certificate Programs

 

Cook County, through Project Rainbow, is partnering with Grow with Google to provide no-cost scholarships for Google Career Certificates.

These flexible, online programs are designed to help residents build in-demand skills and earn industry-recognized credentials in high-growth fields like IT support, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and project management.

Whether you are starting your career, changing paths, or returning to the workforce, this opportunity is designed to help you take the next step.

This initiative expands Project Rainbow’s mission; building on its commitment to education by now supporting adult learners across Cook County with access to career training and economic opportunity.

Ready to apply? Scholarships are limited and awarded to eligible Cook County residents. Know which certificate interests you? Start your application now.

Apply for a Scholarship

Want to explore your options first? Keep scrolling to compare the certificates below:

Google AI Essentials

Learn the basics of artificial intelligence and how to use AI tools to work more efficiently. This short, self-paced course takes about 5 hours and requires no prior experience.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Use AI tools in the workplace
  • Write prompts that generate useful outputs
  • Use AI responsibly by identifying AI’s potential biases and avoiding harm
  • Develop strategies to stay up-to-date in the emerging landscape of AI

Top skills you will gain:

  • Use generative AI tools to help develop ideas and speed up daily work tasks
  • Write effective prompts to help summarize information and more
  • Use AI responsibly
  • Problem solving
Start AI Essentials

Google Prompting Essentials

Learn how to write effective prompts for AI tools so you can complete tasks faster and get better results. This beginner-friendly course can be completed in about 10 hours.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Learn how to write effective prompts for AI tools.
  • Use prompting techniques to complete tasks faster and more efficiently.
  • Build reusable prompts to support everyday work and problem solving.

Top skills you will gain:

  • How to prompt generative AI tools
  • How to evaluate and iterate to achieve useful results
  • How to include different modalities, like text, image, and audio in prompts
  • How to use AI responsibly
Start Prompting Essentials

Google IT Support Certificate

Learn the fundamentals of information technology, including computer systems, networking, and troubleshooting. This program is designed for beginners who want to start a career in IT.

Upon completing, graduates will:

  • Understand the basics of IT support, including troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, and security.
  • Learn how to set up computers, manage software, and solve common technical problems.
  • Gain experience with tools and systems used in many entry-level IT support roles.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • IT support technician
  • Help desk technician
  • IT specialist
  • Tech support specialist
Start IT Support

Google IT Automation with Python Certificate

Build skills in automation and programming using Python to solve common IT problems. This program is best for learners who already understand basic IT concepts.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Learn how to use Python to automate everyday IT tasks.
  • Gain experience troubleshooting technical problems and managing code with Git and GitHub.
  • Practice real-world IT scenarios through hands-on projects.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • IT support II
  • Systems administrator
  • Site reliability engineer
  • Senior IT support technician
Start IT Automation

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

Learn how to identify security risks, protect computer systems, and respond to cyber threats. This program is designed for beginners interested in starting a career in cybersecurity.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Understand common cybersecurity risks and how organizations protect against them.
  • Learn how to identify threats and help secure networks, systems, and data.
  • Gain hands-on experience using tools commonly used in cybersecurity roles.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Security analyst
  • Security operations center (SOC) analyst
  • Information security analyst
Start Cybersecurity

Google Project Management Certificate

Learn how to plan, organize, and lead projects from start to finish using both traditional and agile project management methods. No prior experience is required.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Learn how to plan, organize, and manage projects from start to finish.
  • Understand how to manage schedules, budgets, and team communication.
  • Build skills used in both traditional and agile project management.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • Project manager
  • Project coordinator
  • Project assistant
  • Program manager
Start Project Management

Google Data Analytics Certificate

Learn how to collect, organize, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. This beginner-friendly program introduces the key tools and concepts used in data analytics.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Learn how to collect, organize, and analyze data to answer business questions.
  • Gain experience using common data tools to visualize and interpret data.
  • Complete a project that can be included in a professional portfolio.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • Data analyst
  • Junior data analyst
  • Associate data analyst
  • Operations analyst
Start Data Analytics

Google Advanced Data Analytics Certificate

Build advanced data skills such as predictive analysis, machine learning, and working with large datasets. This program is designed for people with prior data analytics experience or graduates of the Google Data Analytics Certificate.

Upon completing, program graduates will:

  • Learn advanced methods for analyzing and interpreting data.
  • Build data models and visualizations to identify patterns and trends.
  • Communicate insights that help organizations make informed decisions.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • Senior data analyst
  • Junior data scientist
  • Data science analyst
  • Data analytics scientist
Start Advanced Data Analytics

Google Business Intelligence Certificate

Learn how to turn data into clear reports and insights that help organizations make better decisions. This program builds on foundational data analytics skills.

Upon completing, program graduates will:

  • Understand how organizations use data to support decision-making.
  • Learn how to organize and prepare data for analysis.
  • Create charts, dashboards, and reports that clearly communicate insights.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Business intelligence engineer
  • Business intelligence developer
  • Business data analyst
Start Business Intelligence

Google User Experience (UX) Design Certificate

Learn how to design websites and digital products that are easy to use. The program covers user research, wireframes, prototypes, and testing designs with real users.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Learn how to design websites and apps that are easy for people to use.
  • Gain experience creating wireframes, prototypes, and design concepts.
  • Build a portfolio of projects to showcase their design skills.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • User experience (UX) designer
  • UI designer
  • Interaction designer
  • Product designer
Start UX Design

Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate

Learn how to promote products online, run digital marketing campaigns, and manage e-commerce stores. This program introduces the core tools and strategies used in online marketing.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Learn the basics of online marketing and selling products online.
  • Understand how businesses attract customers and grow their digital presence.
  • Gain hands-on experience with common digital marketing tools.

Prepares for in-demand jobs such as:

  • Marketing coordinator
  • E-commerce associate
  • Paid search specialist
  • Digital marketing specialist
Start Digital Marketing

Program Application

Complete the form below to be considered for a Grow with Google Career Certificate scholarship.

Before applying, please review:

  • Must be a resident of Cook County
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have access to a computer and reliable internet
  • No prior experience or college degree required
  • Must be able to commit to completing an online training program

Please note: Submission of this form does not guarantee a scholarship.

Selected applicants will receive instructions on how to access their program and begin coursework.