Quick look: The Anaheim Union High School District has partnered with Google to give students a chance to earn industry-recognized credentials in fields like data analytics and project management. The Google Career Certificates program is integrated into daily instruction and has recently expanded to offer training for parents.
A growing number of Anaheim Union High School District students are graduating with more than a diploma — they’re leaving high school with industry-recognized credentials from one of the world’s most prominent tech companies.
This past school year, more than 1,000 AUHSD students successfully completed Google Career Certificates in fields like data analytics, IT support, IT automation with Python, UX design and project management. According to officials, that brings the total number of certificates earned to over 2,000 since the program launched in 2021.
In fact, the 27,000-student district, which serves Anaheim, Cypress, Buena Park, La Palma and Stanton, says it’s the first in the U.S. to offer these certificates to high school students. And it’s done so by embedding the curriculum into regular classes like English 4, statistics and probability, cyber innovations, AP computer science and even inclusive courses that support students with disabilities through co-teaching models.
The impact hasn’t just been limited to students. In an effort to boost workforce skills across the broader community, AUHSD has also extended the training to parents through re-skilling and up-skilling opportunities.
“We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to gain valuable skills that will prepare them for the world of work,” AUHSD Superintendent Michael Matsuda said. “Our partnership with Google has been a tremendous success, and we are excited to continue expanding the program to better serve our students and community.”
Exploring new industries
Anaheim Union students say the Google Career Certificates have helped them develop practical skills, explore new industries and boost their confidence as they map out their futures. Those outcomes align with the mission of OC Pathways, a countywide initiative led by the Orange County Department of Education that connects educators, industry leaders and community partners to expand college and career opportunities.
“I think it’s a great thing when earning the Google Certificate in data analytics because, for me personally, it helped me learn how to make data sets, spreadsheets and effective presentations with visuals, which will be so helpful in the future when working with a team and having meetings,” said Elizabeth Ayala, a student at Loara High School. “Another pro is that this will boost my chances of getting accepted into certain jobs.”
“Obtaining the Google certificate has been a game-changer for me,” said Ashley Sousa, a student from Magnolia High School. “It not only boosted my resume, but it also gave me the confidence and credibility to excel in my future career.”
Teachers also see the value. They say the program is changing how students engage with their coursework by connecting academics to real-world applications.
“After 23 years of teaching English 4, I am able to see students truly understanding the value in what they do,” said Michele Gonzalez of Katella High School. “They are learning that there are multiple ways to look at a project and understanding how to tap into what you do well.”
Real-world experiences
John Adair says the Google Project Management course was the perfect fit for his yearbook class at Kennedy High School.
Assembling the yearbook “is a large complex project,” he said, “so students are learning techniques of how to manage the entire staff, their particular sections, or work on one section while managing another — or how to provide and receive critical input and feedback.”
Adair said this was the second year his class has worked through the course, giving students more opportunities to apply its concepts.
“The veteran students have been most helpful in implementing this,” he said. “The students enjoy being certified project managers, especially being able to place that on their resume, and I know for a few it was their highlight during our recent Capstone senior showcase presentations.”
To learn more about the Google Career Certificates program in AUHSD and hear directly from students and staff, visit the district’s Google Certificates video playlist.