Only 42 percent of employees in the Texas workforce are digitally literate -- meaning they know how to use a computer, cell phone, or tablet, according to Goodwill of Central Texas.
Goodwill is teaming up with Google to change that.
"The reality is we don't go online anymore, we live online,” said Gerardo Interiano with Google.
Google and Goodwill's partnership intends to make sure more people have these needed digital skills.
"In order for the job to be in the new digital economy, some job seekers need help to get those necessary skills,” said Interiano.
The partnership is part of a $10 million Digital Career Accelerator Grant, with $300,000 dollars going to Central Texas and another $300,000 split among six Texas cities.
The money expands Goodwill’s existing program to offer five levels of digital skills: from basic awareness to mid-level career certification.
"For us, it's important. This is the future workforce. We want to make sure that employees are trained and that we're continuing to build the pipeline of those that are going to come work for Google and make the internet great,” said Interiano.
"I think it's a really good program. I really, really, really believe in the things that they do here because it really helped me see where I needed to go,” said Dykhrysta Kennon-Bailey.
Kennon-Bailey just finished the 10-week course.
"It helped me see that it's not as hard as it seems, to go back to school,” said Kennon-Bailey.
She hopes to open her own IT shop one day.
"I know how it feels to be in that rut and once you get in that rut, it’s really hard to get out. So having stepping stones is perfect,” said Kennon-Bailey.
Isaac Alba is going through the class.
“What I plan on doing is creating a financial structure with this certification so that I wouldn't be working at a fast-food job, a retail job as I go to school at night,” said Alba. "I would be comfortable living financially."
On Friday, Goodwill held one of their tech training sessions and resume workshops.
It even attracted the attention of Texas Senator John Cornyn.
"You simply can't function as a responsible adult in this world we live in without some technology related skills,” said Cornyn.
The Google grant lasts three years and Goodwill anticipates they’ll be able to help about 11,000 people in Central Texas.
"It's just critical to their success, not only in terms of their seeking jobs, but also just in terms of their maximizing their quality of life,” said Cornyn.
You can find more information here.