Caterpillar Foundation Investment Focuses on Expanding Digital Literacy in Six Communities
ROCKVILLE, MD — The Caterpillar Foundation is investing $250,000 in Goodwill job training programs to support people as they rebuild their careers after enduring negative economic impacts during the pandemic. Goodwill Industries International (GII) recognizes the growing need for digital skills training, as digital skills are now considered to be as essential as time management, teamwork and problem-solving skills. This investment will focus on serving six communities through the following six local Goodwill nonprofit organizations.
- Goodwill Industries of South Texas (Corpus Christi, TX)
- Memphis Goodwill Industries (Memphis, TN)
- Goodwill of North Georgia (Atlanta, GA)
- Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest (Spokane, WA)
- MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries (St. Louis, MO)
- Goodwill Industries of Kentucky (Louisville, KY)
Employers across multiple industries and job categories increasingly value basic digital skills, such as the ability to use email and be proficient with productivity software. The six Goodwill organizations receiving funding from the Caterpillar Foundation will provide foundational digital skills training to older youth, young adults, and adults who need these skills to enter the labor force or advance their careers. The training programs focus on a range of computer basics, such as keyboarding, internet searches, online job searching and applications, setting up and using email accounts, and using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and other productivity software programs.
“As one of the leading nonprofit workforce providers in North America, Goodwill provides digital skills training programs and supports people as they earn digital skills certificates to advance in their careers, ” said Steven C. Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “The investment from the Caterpillar Foundation will increase access to high-quality and essential digital skills training for people who are unemployed or underemployed.”
Each person who enrolls will receive an assessment to determine their interest in learning digital skills and their employment needs and goals. The six local Goodwill organizations receiving funding will also determine if trainees need support services to address how they can succeed in their training goals. Goodwill will then provide outreach and recruitment to help learners find jobs in their communities.
“The Caterpillar Foundation is committed to building thriving communities by investing in the skills people need to join the modern workforce,” said Asha Varghese, president of the Caterpillar Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with Goodwill to support people as they advance their careers.”
Local Goodwill organizations will provide training both in-person where it is available as well as online. Online services and classes provide flexibility for students, especially those unable to reach a Goodwill location and those who do not feel safe doing so as a result of the pandemic.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 155community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 12 other countries. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people find employment, Goodwill is recognized with GuideStar’s highest rating, the Platinum Seal of Approval.
Local Goodwill organizations offer employment opportunities, job placement and training services, and other community-based programs, funded by selling donated clothing and household items in nearly 3,300 stores and at shopgoodwill.com®. Last year, more than 20 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill services, and more than one million people received in-person services.
For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: GoodwillIntl.
ABOUT THE CATERPILLAR FOUNDATION
Since its founding in 1952, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed to helping improve the lives of people around the world. As a company, Caterpillar works alongside our dealers and our customers to build the societal infrastructure needed to make the world run. As a foundation, we focus on the complementary human, natural and basic services infrastructure needed for individuals to thrive and communities to be resilient.
CONTACT:
[email protected]
Last edited: 05/13/2022
