Goodwill Arkansas will help expand access to high-demand training and industry-recognized certifications for Arkansans through a $77,000 grant through the Caterpillar Foundation and Google’s Career Certificates initiative, the organization announced Wednesday.

This funding will support scholarships through Goodwill’s Training and Education Centers and provide participants access to certificate programs in fast-growing fields, including IT support, project management, data analytics and AI essentials, the newest course added to GTEC’s program. In addition to online coursework, learners can also receive in-person support for enrollment and program navigation.

“Access to workforce training should not depend on your ZIP code,” said Edie Stewart, senior vice president and chief mission officer of Goodwill Arkansas. “This funding allows us to expand access to high-demand digital skills and certifications for Arkansans who are ready to build a better future for themselves and their families. For many people in rural communities, online training can be the bridge between where they are and where opportunity is growing. We are proud to help make that bridge stronger.”

This effort is part of a larger national workforce initiative tied to Caterpillar’s $100 million pledge to help upskill workers for the AI era and strengthen the future workforce. It also builds on the long-standing partnership between Goodwill and Google, which has helped expand digital literacy and workforce training opportunities across North America through the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator, according to a press release.

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