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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced a new partnership between Cook County’s Project Rainbow initiative and Grow with Google, aiming to provide no-cost scholarships for Google Career Certificates to adult learners. The collaboration is intended to help residents develop skills for career advancement or transitions.
The initiative marks an expansion of Project Rainbow’s focus, which has previously centered on childhood education, to now include adults seeking new professional opportunities or re-skilling.
“Project Rainbow is about giving every Cook County resident learning tools for their growth,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “These incredible learning scholarship opportunities will help those seeking to accelerate their professional career path, looking for a first job, changing careers, or even getting back into the workforce to build the skills they need to thrive in today’s ever-changing job market and economy.”
Nick Shields, creator of Project Rainbow, stated: “From the very beginning, Project Rainbow has been about removing barriers to learning. By partnering with Google, we are able to offer hundreds of adult learners throughout Cook County an opportunity to gain an immense new skillset that employers are looking for right now. This is about making sure talent in Cook County gets every chance to succeed and thrive.”
Google Career Certificates offer online courses in areas such as IT support, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and project management. The program does not require a college degree or prior experience.
Graduates from this program will have access not only to free coursework but also additional support from Grow with Google through resources like Interview WarmUp and connections to career opportunities. All residents of Cook County are eligible.
Since 2018, more than 350,000 people across the United States have completed the program. Over 70 percent reported positive changes in their careers—such as securing a new job, receiving higher pay, or earning a promotion—within six months after finishing the certificate.
Applicants will need access to a computer and internet connection.
Project Rainbow was launched by the Office of the President in 2021 and developed Cook County’s first mobile app. The initiative has partnered with organizations and institutions on educational content for families and established the Provident Scholarship Fund—which since 2022 has distributed over $4 million in scholarships to more than 200 medical students.
For updates on Project Rainbow and information on these no-cost scholarships from Grow with Google, residents can visit projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov.
