Photo of Northeastern professors wearing Google shirts and students in Northeastern shirts participating in a Computer Science Summer Institute Extension Program class at El Centro.

Northeastern Illinois University is proud to be the only four-year institution in the state of Illinois to offer the Grow with Google Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Career Readiness Program. In partnership with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the program is intended to assist our students in developing the digital skills needed to find and secure internships and jobs to build successful careers. 

The Grow with Google HSI Career Readiness Program launched in January 2022 and provides HSI career centers with funding and a semester-long in-person and online digital skills program. The initiative combines career workshops, career counseling, and programming on design thinking, project management, and professional brand building. Northeastern will also create additional material tailored to student needs.

How to Participate

There is no cost to participate in this program. All materials will be provided.

However, all participants must be:

  • Currently enrolled at NEIU (undergraduate or graduate level) with an active Nmail email account;
  • Interested in advancing their technology skills and leveraging them to find a rewarding career path;
  • Committed to completing one of the five paths available;
  • Available for a follow-up appointment with a Career Development staff member. 

To get started:

Create a Grow with Google account 

Watch. Do. Meet. 

The Grow with Google HSI Career Readiness Program uses a “watch, do, meet” approach to ensure students have a proactive, interactive and self-paced approach to learning. 

Students will: 

  • Watch a Grow with Google Career Readiness Program video.
  • Do a relevant post-video assignment or activity.
  • Meet with a peer group, career counselor or professor to discuss completed lessons or pending questions.

Location

Activities are self-paced and online. 

Dates

While there is no deadline to apply for this program, students are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. The five learning paths must be completed no later than the end of the Fall 2022 semester. 

Learning Paths

The initiative encompasses five flexible learning paths, each with focused lessons and optional supplementary learning materials. 

Path 1: Build Your Digital Skills

Students explore a variety of Google digital tools and how they can be used to increase productivity in the workplace and in everyday life.

Path 2: Explore Career Paths

Students research different possible career paths to figure out which career might be right for them. Then, they create a career plan and start networking to find a job in the field.

Path 3: Land a Great Job

Students use digital tools to search for a job, write a resume and cover letter and stand out in interviews, all while conveying their personal brand.

Path 4: Succeed at Your New Job

Students practice running efficient meetings, managing projects and presenting to stakeholders.

Path 5: Start Your Own Businesses

Students research business opportunities, write a business plan and estimate the financing they’ll need to create their own business.

Google Computer Science Summer Institute Extension (CSSI: Extension)

Northeastern Illinois University began partnering with Google in 2019 to host the Computer Science Summer Institute Extension (CSSI: Extension) at El Centro. The program is open to current high school seniors and new transfer students who have been admitted to Northeastern for the upcoming fall semester with an intent to enroll as a full-time student for the fall semester. There is no cost to participate in this program. All materials will be provided. Students who successfully complete the CSSI: Extension program will be eligible for a $500 stipend. Students can participate in CSSI: Extension during the summer term and the Grow with Google HSI Career Readiness Program in the fall. 

Questions?

To learn more about the Grow with Google HSI Career Readiness Program, contact The Office of Career Development at ocs@neiu.edu.