MANCHESTER, NH – Google announced this week that it is bringing it’s Grow With Google initiative to New Hampshire as part of the tech company’s efforts to create economic opportunity in communities across the United States. Google will kickstart this work locally by hosting free, one-day events in two NH libraries to help job seekers, small business owners, students, educators and entrepreneurs improve their digital skills.
New Hampshire tour dates, cities and locations include:
- Wednesday, May 29 – Berlin, Fortier Library at White Mountains Community College, 2020 Riverside Drive, Room 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Friday, May 31 – Manchester, Manchester City Library, 405 Pine Street, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
“Digital skills are increasingly important for small businesses, jobseekers, and community organizations in New Hampshire. By partnering with the Granite State’s libraries fort the ‘Grow with Google’ tour, we’re building upon the work that they’ve already begun, empowering residents with the tools they need to succeed in today’s economy” said Erica Swanson, Google’s Head of Community Engagement.
In recognition that libraries are increasingly centers for digital skills learning, Grow with Google plans visit libraries in every state, partnering with them to deliver digital skills trainings directly to jobseekers and small businesses in their community. We will also train library staff and nonprofit leaders on a range of Grow with Google’s free tools and curriculum they can use on a daily basis.
Google staff will lead hands-on workshops about online marketing for small businesses, search engine optimization, email basics and coding. Attendees can also sign up for one-on-one training with Google staff, and tour demo booths to learn more about Google’s free products for learners and small businesses. Attendees are welcome to drop in for a few sessions or stay all day.
Google is partnering with the Manchester City and Fortier libraries. Following the Grow with Google event, Google will explore ongoing partnership opportunities with area organizations to help with job training and developing digital skills.
Google launched Grow with Google in October of 2017. The American initiative draws on Google’s 20-year history of building products, platforms, and services that help people and businesses grow. Through this initiative, Google aims to help everyone across America – those who make up the workforce of today and those who will drive the workforce of tomorrow – access the best of Google’s training and tools to grow their skills, careers, and businesses.
“Manchester City Library is always seeking innovative ways to provide educational opportunities for our community. Our partnership with Google to provide digital skills workshops for the Manchester Community is a unique and exciting way to assist many segments of the City to grow, learn, and build their skills for success in our increasingly digital world,” said Denise M. van Zanten, Director of the Manchester City Library .
“The Fortier Library at White Mountains Community College has been instrumental throughout northern New Hampshire to help local individuals, agencies, and businesses reach their highest potential for over 50 years. We are happy to host Grow With Google to help bring more employment and business opportunities to our community!” said Melissa Laplante, Director of Library Services.
Specifically, Grow with Google aims to help address the skills gap by preparing Americans for middle-skill jobs, positions that require some skills but not four year degrees. According to the National Middle Skills Initiative, middle skills jobs account to 53% of the New Hampshire labor force. A recent study by Burning Glass and Capital One found that more than 8 in 10 middle-skill jobs (82%) require digital skills. Overall, middle-skill jobs average $20 per hour.
In their 2017 Economic Impact Report, Google announced that 5,900 businesses in New Hampshire generated $627 million in economic activity by using Google’s search and advertising tools. The full report details Google’s economic impact state-by-state, and features the stories of businesses fueling that growth, creating job opportunities, and transforming their communities.
According to the American Library Association, nearly three-quarters of public libraries assist their patrons with job applications and interviewing skills, 90% help their patrons learn basic digital skills, and just under half provide access and assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start a business of their own.
To learn more about the free event and to register, visit g.co/GrowNewHampshire. Space will be limited; so please register in advance.