Goodwill® Launches Goodwill Digital Navigator Certificate Specialization

In Partnership with World Education and Comcast, a New Online Certificate Program Equips Individuals with Skills Needed to Help Others Navigate Today's Digital Workplace

ROCKVILLE, MD - Goodwill Industries International (GII) has launched the Goodwill Digital Navigator Certificate Specialization, a comprehensive online training program designed to equip career counselors, coaches, library and community center staff, and other community supporters with essential skills to help others succeed in a rapidly growing, advanced digital workplace.

The Goodwill Digital Navigator Certificate Specialization, co-developed with World Education and in partnership with Comcast, enables participants to become digital navigators, providing people with resources and guidance they need to secure competitive jobs and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Closing the digital divide is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Today, nearly one in three U.S. workers ages 16 to 64 have few or no digital skills; at least 38% of those workers are employed in jobs requiring moderate or advanced computer use. In fact, the National Skills Coalition found that 92% of current job listings require digital skills yet nearly one in three workers lack these vital skills. The digital divide disproportionately affects Black and Latino workers. The National Skills Coalition found that approximately 50% of Black workers and 57% of Hispanic workers lack robust digital skills today.

This training was first introduced to Goodwill employees internally across the U.S. last month. Now, Goodwill is making the course available to anyone who wants to support their communities as digital navigators. As Goodwill's latest installment of career navigator training resources, this program is the first of its kind to introduce individuals to digital navigation and workforce development topics emphasizing the importance of helping others gain essential digital skills today.

"We must employ innovative strategies and solutions to give everyone access to the technology and skills necessary to thrive in today's digital world," said Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "As part of a new era of workers, digital navigators are key to helping job seekers adapt to the momentous changes AI and automation are bringing."

"We're thrilled to join forces with Goodwill on this transformative program that will equip participants with career-boosting knowledge and enable them to transfer essential digital skills to their clients," said Broderick Johnson, Executive Vice President of Public Policy, and Executive Vice President of Digital Equity of Comcast Corporation. "For more than a decade, Comcast has been committed to advancing digital equity and fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and technologically savvy workforce. Together, we can help empower individuals and build brighter, more connected futures."

Individuals who complete the training will earn a digital navigator certificate via Coursera, confirming their new skills and ability to provide digital skills guidance to individuals in their communities. The training program has also been approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF) for 15 hours of continuing coach education credits for ICF certified coaches.

The training includes three courses that help learners understand the digital divide, recommend digital skills training, achieve relevant navigation skills, and identify community assets.

The course is $49 to complete and is self-paced, and the courses can be taken on a cell phone, tablet, or iPad using the Coursera app, or through the Coursera.org web site using a laptop, PC, or Mac desktop computer. To learn more about this course or to participate, contact [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dina Ruden
Senior Director, Public Relations & External Affairs
Goodwill Industries International
Mobile (703)-915-2482

Nicole Vuong
Coordinator, Corporate Affairs
Comcast Corporate
[email protected]
445-942-7249

ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, building bridges to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their potential through learning and the power of work.

For more than 120 years, Goodwill organizations have helped people find jobs, support their families, and feel the satisfaction that comes from working. There are 154 local Goodwill organizations across North America that assist people through a variety of employment placement services, job training programs and other community-based services. Thousands of people receive employment and other human services through Goodwill, and in 2023, the organization helped more than 1.7 million people build skills, access resources, and advance their careers.

Goodwill sells donated items in more than 3,300 outlets and retail stores in the U.S. and Canada and online marketplaces. The revenue creates training programs, community support and job placement to help people who want to build their careers.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on X/Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: GoodwillIntl.

ABOUT COMCAST CORPORATION

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms, we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

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