Local Nonprofit to Purchase Computer Equipment for Free Information Technology Courses

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee today announced it received a $55,000 grant from Truist Foundation to purchase computer equipment and software for the benefit of clients participating in a suite of free Information Technology training courses.

The computers will be used by students in Goodwill’s Grow with Google certificate courses, which include IT Support Professional, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Project Manager, Advanced Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Automation with Python, Business Intelligence and UX Design. The courses, which are taught online and supplemented by local labs and support, are available to qualifying Goodwill clients and can be completed in as little as 18 weeks.

“This grant will allow us to expand and improve a program that is helping middle and west Tennessee learners to gain advanced digital skills and prepare for rewarding careers,” said Matthew Bourlakas, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee. “We are so grateful to Truist Foundation for their generous support of our mission of changing lives through education, training and employment.”

Employment in computer and Information Technology occupations is expected to grow by more than 10% in the U.S. by 2029 — faster than the average for all other occupations. Average salaries for these middle-skill positions are substantial and family-sustaining. However, many middle and west Tennessee adults lack the resources to earn IT credentials through traditional pathways. 

Goodwill believes the added computer equipment will allow it to enroll at least 300 people into its Information Technology courses in the next two years and go on to place at least 60 graduates into IT-related jobs.

“The jobs of today and tomorrow require software skills and accreditation,” said Johnny Moore, Tennessee regional president for Truist. “Our support of Goodwill’s ‘Grow with Google certificate courses’ will help ensure that we’re providing the tools and training necessary for middle and west Tennesseans to enter the IT field. This is one way we’re delivering on our purpose to build better lives and communities.”

About Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc.

For 65 years, local nonprofit organization Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee has provided job training and job placement free of charge to people with disabilities or other barriers to employment through the sale of donated items. Goodwill’s vision is that all people will have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through the power of work. More information about Goodwill’s Career Solutions, retail stores and donation centers can be found online at www.giveit2goodwill.org or by calling 1-800-545-9231.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a

wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives — the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.