Tech Works

WOMEN OF COLOR IN TECH

Through a grant from JPMorgan Chase, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and the Workforce Innovation Center are partnering with the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, Community Action Agency – Cincinnati | Hamilton County (CAA), Brighton Center, and the Gaskins Foundation to offer the Women of Color in Tech program through the Grow with Google platform.

This program aims to upskill and reskill women of color in the Cincinnati region for tech roles such as IT Customer Support, Data Analytics, User Experience Design (UX), Project Management, and more. The Women of Color in Tech partners provide free training programs through the Grow with Google platform. This self-paced course offers up to 24 weeks for completion, although participants have the flexibility to finish earlier some have completed it in as little as 12 weeks. However, if the course extends beyond 24 weeks, participants will lose access to the program. Designed to accommodate various learning needs, the program offers flexible virtual options and provides laptop support to help participants complete their coursework.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must identify as a minority woman
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• No income guidelines
• Must complete a WorkKeys assessment with a minimum score of 4 (participants are exempt if they have prior IT experience or hold an Associate's degree or higher)
• Participants with prior IT experience or a college degree (associate’s or higher) may also qualify

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Download a copy of our Career Pathways Intake Checklist for a complete itemized list of what you need to apply. These documents will be requested after your application has been reviewed by the Program Coordinator.

Google IT Certification Track Options

1. IT Support Certification

Gain skills to troubleshoot problems, maintain computers and networks, and support IT systems.

Potential Jobs:

• IT Support Technician
• Help Desk Technician
• IT Specialist
• IT Support Specialist

2. Data Analytics Certification

Develop skills in data platforms like SQL, Tableau, and R programming to analyze and present data effectively.

Potential Jobs:

• Data Analyst
• Business Systems Analyst
• Operations Analyst

3. Cybersecurity Certification

Learn to monitor and protect networks, devices, and data while preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam.

Potential Jobs:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• SOC Analyst
• IT Security Analyst

4. Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Certification

Learn how to grow businesses online through digital marketing strategies and tools like Google Ads and Canva.

Potential Jobs:

• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Media Planner
• Email Marketing Specialist

5. Project Management Certification

Master Agile and traditional project management skills, risk management, and leadership techniques.

Potential Jobs:

• Project Manager
• Scrum Master
• Technical Project Manager

6. UX Design Certification

Learn to create enjoyable digital products using tools like Figma and Adobe XD.

Potential Jobs:

• UX Designer
• Product Designer
• Interaction Designer

Program Benefits

• Self-paced and fully virtual courses
• Professional development workshops offered in-person to build community
• Resume and cover letter assistance
• Job search support
• Networking events and hiring opportunities hosted by the Cincinnati Chamber for enrolled participants

Why This Program is Important

Women, particularly women of color, are significantly underrepresented in IT roles. Recent statistics reveal:

• Women hold approximately 26.7% of all technology jobs.
• Asian and Pacific Islander women account for about 7% of computing roles.
• Black women represent approximately 3% of computing roles.
• Hispanic/Latina women make up around 2% of computing roles.

These figures highlight the ongoing disparities in the tech industry. Programs like Women of Color in Tech aim to address these gaps by providing targeted training, resources, and support to empower women of color to thrive in IT careers.

Next Steps

1. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the application form to get started.
2. Provide Supporting Documents: Upload a copy of your driver’s license and Social Security card.
3. Attend a Virtual Orientation: Once your application is submitted, join a virtual orientation session to learn more about the program in detail.
4. Receive Enrollment Details: After attending the orientation, you will receive an enrollment letter and an invitation to Coursera.
5. Begin Training: Start your Google IT Certification training and begin your journey to a tech career!

TECH WORKS GENERAL INTEREST FORM