Google's Jesse Haines is one of the speakers at VentureBeat's inaugural Blueprint conference, taking place on March 5-7 in Reno, Nevada. At Blueprint, speakers including Haines will discuss how tech companies can create higher paying jobs across the U.S. and expand economic opportunity for all.
In October 2017, Google launched a new initiative called Grow with Google, which aims to help Americans get the skills they need to get a job or grow their business. Specifically, the program targets students and teachers, small business owners, job seekers, startups, and developers through a number of initiatives. Grow with Google is also touring the U.S. to offer in-person digital skills training in a number of cities, having already visited Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Oklahoma City.
Haines is the director of Grow with Google, having previously served as the director of Google's accessories division. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
VentureBeat: What inspired the company to launch Grow with Google?
Haines: At Google we believe that technology can help people learn, grow, and succeed. But as the pace of technological change in the United States accelerates, we want to make sure the opportunities created are available to everyone, not just a few. That's why in October we launched Grow with Google, to help people across the United States be better prepared to succeed in the changing economy. Through free tools, training, and events, we want to help Americans grow their skills, careers, and businesses.
VB: Can you talk about a few of the skills that Google sees as most critical to succeeding in today's digital economy?
Haines: I started my career as a high school teacher, when technology was starting to play an important role both as a teaching tool and as part of the curriculum. Today, it's undeniable that graduating seniors need a strong foundation of digital literacy and skills, but unfortunately they aren't getting it. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, less than half of 18- to 25-year-olds believe their education gives them the skills they need to enter today's workforce. So we've developed a curriculum called Applied Digital Skills, which teaches fundamental digital skills through practical problem-solving tasks like creating a budget or planning an event.
