Indy Poised For Grow With Google

A first-of-its-kind event from one of the biggest names in tech kicks off Friday in Indianapolis. Grow With Google, a free event that runs through Saturday, is billed as an opportunity for anyone, from job seekers to students to entrepreneurs, to improve their digital skills. The Indiana State Museum will host more than 20 workshops and 100 coaching sessions over two days. YouTube’s Head of Family and Learning Partnerships Angela Lin will host a "fireside chat" with renowned, Indianapolis-based author John Green.

Grow With Google Head of Community Impact Erica Swanson, who will be a guest this weekend on Inside INdiana Business Television, says Indianapolis is an ideal choice to launch the flagship event. "We looked at the data, we saw incredible growth and momentum. We saw that Indianapolis is number five in the country when it comes to the growth of tech jobs," she said. "We also had conversations very early with folks like ANGI and EmployIndy and learned about the digital skills and middle skills gap that exists, and also the capacity and leadership of community organizations that are doing this work day-in and day-out."

Swanson says the Grow With Google online platform and tools are free and open to anyone, but "there’s also real value" in the in-person experience Google will bring through the training sessions and workshops. The company is partnering with the city, nonprofits and other organizations on the Friday and Saturday gatherings, including EmployIndy, the Indianapolis Public Library, TechPoint, Ivy Tech Community College, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana Inc., the Indy Chamber and Student Veterans of America.

You can connect to more about the Grow With Google launch in Indianapolis by clicking here.