Over time, the widespread adoption of Internet -based technologies has propelled both small and large businesses toward an environment requiring increased digital literacy amongst employees. In fact, Burning Glass Technologies and Capital One conducted a study revealing that mid-skill jobs requiring digital literacy comprise 39 percent of U.S. employment and, on average, pay over 18 percent more than jobs that don’t require technological proficiencies. In efforts to help Americans secure these jobs, Capital One has partnered with Grovo, an online learning platform, to launch a completely free digital literacy program as part of its five-ear, $150 million Future Edge Initiative.
“There is an insatiable demand for great technology talent as the rate of change across industries continues to accelerate. Helping more people become more digitally literate is essential for our future workforce and our economy,” said Carolyn Berkowitz, Managing Vice President, Community Affairs, Capital One. “We are excited to partner with Grovo and our Future Edge nonprofit partners across the country to launch this first-of-its-kind curriculum, which will help motivated individuals build the skills required to succeed in the digital world.”
Launched during the 2015 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) America meeting, the “Future Edge Digital Literacy Program” will offer a free curriculum, preparing users in 10 diital competencies including computer fundamentals, Microsoft Office Suite proficiency, digital communications, online “netiquette,” security and privacy, online personal branding and networking, and productivity. This curriculum, based on Grovo’s “science-based microlearning method”, will include over 5000 60-second videos covering 170 topics, followed by short quizzes to promote lesson comprehension and retention.
In addition to Grovo’s educational expertise, the curriculum’s design process included research on middle-skill jobs derived from interviews with Capital One’s Future Edge nonprofit partners who work closely with underserved communities including Brooklyn Workforce Innovations, The Food Bank of Delaware, Action for Boston Community Development and several more.
“Grovo empowers people and organizations around the world with the skills to do their best work. We believe investment in effective digital training and education is not only critical, but often transformative,” said Jeff Fernandez, Cofounder and CEO, Grovo. “The free micro-learning curriculum we’ve developed in partnership with Capital One will give thousands of people the opportunity to achieve digital literacy and secure stable roles in the growing digital sector.”
The Future Edge Literacy Challenge is available at futureedge.grovo.com. For additional information on Capital One’s Future Edge initiative, visit www.capitalone.com/investingforgood
