SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – In an effort to help Goodwill employees and clients of the organization to bolster their job skills, Goodwill Industries International has partnered with Coursera —the world’s leading online learning platform — to provide a transformative learning experience that empowers participants to thrive at their jobs, or to be qualified for new, better-paying jobs. The overarching goal is to drive positive change in career development in regions served by Goodwill organizations. 

Thanks to this partnership, Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. will be able to offer 25 scholarships for justice-involved individuals and/or for youth or young adults ages 14-24, and another 25 scholarships for area veterans and military spouses. Community members are invited and encouraged to apply.

Coursera works with universities, corporations, government entities and nonprofits to offer online courses, certifications, and degrees in a variety of subjects. The Coursera online platform delivers world-class content taught by instructors from over 275 of the world’s leading universities, organizations and industry partners. From data science and machine learning to digital marketing, Coursera’s selection of more than 5,000 courses helps learners to access the most in-demand skills of today's workforce. 

Courses are built into bite-sized modules so that learners can go at their own pace. Additionally, the Coursera mobile app enables participants to learn new skills, anywhere and at any time.

"As a leading organization in workforce development, Goodwill is committed to investing in our own team members as well as the community at large, so that all have the opportunity to enjoy work and life success,” said Goodwill Manasota vice president Margie Genter. "Coursera is a proven platform for helping workers to build skills and thrive in their roles – or ascend to new ones: according to its 2020 Impact Report, 85% of Coursera users report gaining confidence at work, 80% apply the skills they learn to their current role, and 72% feel better equipped for future job responsibilities."

Goodwill Manasota is currently seeking those who are interested in reaching new professional heights for scholarship consideration. Contact Antonia Quiros (antonia.quiros@gimi.org or 941-355-2721, ext. 292) to learn more.

PHOTO ID: Goodwill team members Todd Lawson, IS Assets & Desktop Support, with Orlando Gonzales-Torres, a desktop support technician

Courtesy photo/Goodwill Manasota

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill assists people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.