Grow With Google

We offer Virginians the opportunity to choose a new credential and career path through Grow with Google!

Virginia Ready is pleased to help bring scholarships for two Google Career Certificates to Virginians who want to find success in their careers through credentialing.

A Google Career Certificate program can help you get on the fast track to a competitively paid job in a high-growth field. You don’t need relevant experience or a degree to complete this flexible, online job training. Just put the skills, passion, and ambition you already have to work.

Virginia Ready Scholars who complete a Grow with Google Certificate and engage in the Virginia Ready Scholar Journey walk away with skills and resources to be career-ready and a $1,000 Credential Achievement Award.

Choose Your Path

We offer scholarships for two Grow with Google Certificate programs:

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

Certificate graduates learn how to help organizations monitor and protect networks, devices, people, and data.

This certificate gives learners hands-on experience using Python, Linux, SQL, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and intrusion detection systems.

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate helps prepare you for the CompTIA Security+ exam, the industry leading certification for cybersecurity roles. You’ll earn a dual credential when you complete both.

Virginia Ready Scholars must test for and pass the CompTIA Security+ credential.

Google Project Management Certificate

Certificate graduates know how to run traditional and Agile projects and programs from initiation to completion. They possess a toolbox of templates and artifacts to manage an array of scenarios and project elements, like schedules, budgets, and product requirements.

Graduates also understand organizational structure, process improvement, risk management techniques, and communication and leadership styles. Upon completion, they are eligible for over 100 education hours to qualify for PMI certifications.

Virginia Ready Scholars must test for and pass the PMI Certified Project Management Professional (CAPM) certification.

Become a Scholar

Know which program you’re interested in? Your next step is to apply to become a Virginia Ready Scholar and receive the scholarship for your Grow with Google Certificate! The scholarship gives you access to the Grow with Google Certificate program at no cost to you, but keep in mind you will need to schedule and pay for your credential exam. If you meet our eligibility requirements, your application will be approved and you will be invited to register for your Grow with Google Certificate program.

The Journey

Here’s what you can expect as a Virginia Ready Scholar:

The application includes an Eligibility Form and the Virginia Ready Application. Complete both of those forms and we'll let you know if you are approved!

Step 1:

Submit your application

The application includes an Eligibility Form and the Virginia Ready Application. Complete both of those forms and we'll let you know if you are approved!

Grow with Google partners with Coursera to deliver their course material. You will receive an invitation link from Virginia Ready to set up your learner account within 5 days of being approved.

Step 2:

Accept your invitation into Coursera within 5 days of being approved.

Grow with Google partners with Coursera to deliver their course material. You will receive an invitation link from Virginia Ready to set up your learner account within 5 days of being approved.

Jump in and start taking your course at your own pace. Keep in mind you have to complete the course work within 6 months.

Step 3:

Start learning!

Jump in and start taking your course at your own pace. Keep in mind you have to complete the course work within 6 months.

We've partnered with Virginia Talent Opportunity Partnership (VTOP) to provide our scholars with 8 Career Readiness Modules! After being approved, you will receive information on how to set up your account.

Step 4:

Create your account with Virginia Talent Opportunity Partnership

Within 30 days of being approved, you must complete Module 1: Career & Self Development through VTOP and submit your career plan to us for review.

Step 5:

Complete Module 1 in VTOP

Within 30 days of being approved, you must complete Module 1: Career & Self Development through VTOP and submit your career plan to us for review.

Though not required, we highly recommend following our calendar of events to attend workshops that will support your career journey.

Step 6:

Attend Professional Development Workshops

Though not required, we highly recommend following our calendar of events to attend workshops that will support your career journey.

At your own pace, you must complete the additional 7 modules with VTOP by the time you are prepared to submit your credential.

Step 7:

Complete Modules 2-8 in VTOP

At your own pace, you must complete the additional 7 modules with VTOP by the time you are prepared to submit your credential.

Within 6 months of being approved as a Virginia Ready Scholar, you will need to complete your certificate program course.

Step 8:

Finish your Grow with Google Certificate program.

Within 6 months of being approved as a Virginia Ready Scholar, you will need to complete your certificate program course.

At this point, you are ready to schedule your exam for your credential. If you enrolled in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate program, this will be the CompTIA Security+ credential. If you enrolled in the Google Project Management Certificate program, this will be the PMI Certified Project Management Professional (CAPM) credential. Note that you will need to pay any fees associated with the exam.

Step 9:

Test for your credential!

You made it! After your program ends, you have 150 days to take your exam, earn your credential and upload it to your portal. During this process, you will also be asked to provide an update to your career plan. After our review, you'll receive your award!

Step 10:

Upload your Credential & Complete your Journey!

Succeed in your Career. Become a Scholar.

Take the first step towards success in your career by becoming a Virginia Ready Scholar and gain access to valuable resources, training, and support to achieve your professional goals.