Youthful Impact Expands Community Reach with New Google Partnership and Downtown Albany Location

The nonprofit works with local youth to build employability and an entrepreneurial mindset while strengthening STEM skills and achieving Google Career certifications. 

ALBANY, N.Y.— Youthful Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to providing youth with skills that enhance their employability, is thrilled to announce its newest partnership.  Through a collaboration with Grow with Google, youth between the ages of 16 and 24 will be empowered to earn Google Career Certificates and develop job-ready skills in high-growth fields.

The program, which is offered at no cost to participants, will be taught at Youthful Impact’s new location at One Commerce Plaza in Albany. The strategic move allows the nonprofit to reach a growing number of youth interested in its entrepreneurship and job training programs.

“Our program is all about helping youth develop a creative problem-solving mindset and the necessary in-demand skills for success in their future career ventures,” said Dr. Khaitsa Wasiyo, Director of Youthful Impact. “Google Career Certificates also allow young adults, particularly those without a college degree, to earn a living wage. As a former college professor, I’m thrilled to be part of the Grow with Google pathways movement, a program with the ability to transform education and make economic security accessible to everyone.”

The certificates are offered in six fast-growing fields: cybersecurity, data analytics, user experience (UX) design, IT support, project management, digital marketing and e-commerce. They can be completed in three to six months of part-time study. 

Once the certificate is complete, participants will be connected with an employer consortium consisting of over 150 companies, including Deloitte, Ford, Verizon, Walmart and Google. No degree or experience is needed.  This is one of the fastest ways for up-skilling youth and enabling sustainable economic achievement.

“Youthful Impact’s innovative model brings opportunities for building tomorrow’s workforce,” said Brian Williams, executive director of the Capital Region Workforce Development Board. “Offering industry-recognized certifications from Google ensures that our local students have the necessary skills to meet the needs of our businesses.”

Designed and taught by Google employees, each certificate includes more than 150 practice and graded assessments, quizzes, or writing assignments to ensure rigor and mastery. The program also provides resources to help students secure a job, such as resume templates, coaching from Career Circle and interview practice.

While an unveiling held Wednesday formally marked the launch of the partnership, Youthful Impact began offering Google Certificates this past spring.

 “Youthful Impact provided me with the key to getting an entry-level position in cybersecurity,” said Joshua, 23.

 22-year-old Chelianette, who recently moved from Puerto Rico to the Capital Region said, “I learned new skills and more about myself. Now I also have a Google certificate in IT Support!”

Those interested in signing up are asked to visit Youthful Impact’s website, email Dr. Khaitsa Wasiyo at coach@youthfulimpact.org, or call (518) 650-6155.