1 million graduates: The real-world impact of Google Career Certificates

By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer, Coursera

In 2018, Google partnered with Coursera to reimagine job training and create an affordable, online program that prepared anyone — regardless of background or experience — for an entry-level, in-demand job.

What began with a single IT certificate has expanded to nine programs that have transformed the lives and careers of over 1 million graduates. In the U.S. alone, over 350,000 have earned a certificate, with over 70% reporting a positive career outcome, like a promotion, new job, or raise.

Today, Google released the Google Career Certificates Impact Report that celebrates the scale, stories, and impact on learners worldwide.

“Google has always been committed to ensuring the opportunities created by technology are available to everyone,” said Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow with Google. “We’re proud that the Google Career Certificates program has helped over one million people learn in-demand skills to advance their careers and job prospects. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with partners to help even more people reach their full economic potential.” 

Expanding access and opportunity for all

The latest data from Google’s Impact Report* shows how these programs are unlocking opportunity for learners from all walks of life: 

• 1 in 4 are primary caregivers.
• 1 in 10 identity as service members, military spouses, or veterans.
• 40% of program graduates report being unemployed or underemployed when they began the certificate program.
• 55% worked full-time while earning the certificate.

*Based on a U.S. program graduate survey, 2024

Top Google Career Certificates on Coursera 

With AI and big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy among the fastest-growing skills, learners on Coursera are preparing with these popular Google programs**: 

**Based on global learner enrollment data from 2024

Accelerating AI learning  

The U.S. job market is rapidly changing, driven by the increasing importance of AI. To meet evolving workplace needs, all Google Career Certificates integrate field-specific AI skills alongside a new suite of dedicated AI courses. Google AI Essentials was the most popular course on Coursera in 2024, with 91% of global graduates feeling more confident about using the AI skills taught in the course to accomplish workplace tasks, and 86% of global graduates saying the AI skills taught in the course will improve their job productivity.^†

^†Refers to global graduates and AI skills taught in the course

To help learners apply these skills while making their next career move, all Google Career Certificates now include a new, optional course, Accelerate Your Job Search with AI. 

Closing the skills gap requires more than great content. It takes unprecedented collaboration. Google Career Certificates are used by 800+ U.S. colleges and 2,000 businesses — with 150+ employers actively committed to considering hiring program graduates.  

This success has sparked a movement. Today, 25 employers offer 90+ Entry-Level Professional Certificates modeled after these programs. Together, we’re building a more inclusive future of work — one learner at a time.

Join the 1 million grads building career-ready skills with Google Career Certificates.