GOODWILL OF CENTRAL IOWA
Virtual Resources
NEW free resources available!
Digital Skills: Goodwill of Central Iowa invites partners and community members the opportunity to take digital skills training through the Skills to Succeed Academy online. These short, interactive training courses are FREE for anyone looking to plan a career, get a job, or build skills for future employment. Each online training module has different topics of interest such as choosing the right career and finding a job to maximize workplace success.
Career Pathing: We’ve also compiled FREE resources our Career Specialists recommend to determine which career path is right for you. Access the online resources here.
Financial Literacy: In uncertain times, we know that financial resources are a necessity. This free Financial Fitness program is designed to assess, educate and empower individuals to improve their overall financial health.
Complete with blog articles, interactive exercises, videos, and tutorials this program is available 24/7 and from any device so you can learn how to set and achieve financial goals.
In addition, these community resources are available to help.
Saint Vincent de Paul
http://svdpdsm.org/social-services/
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
1426 Sixth Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: (515) 282-8327
South Side Location: 520 Army Post Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50315 | 515-282-8328
Assistance with food, clothing and basic needs, career assistance
Iowa Works
https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/
200 Army Post Road
Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: 515-281-9619
Fax: 515-281-9640
Email: Region11.Web@iwd.iowa.gov
100 E Euclid – Suite #4 (Park Fair Mall)
Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone: 515-725-3601
Email: Region11.Web@iwd.iowa.gov
Local Iowa Workforce Development Office where you can access services to help you develop skills and search for a job.
Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families
https://www.evelynkdaviscenter.org/Pages/events.aspx
1171 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50314
Evelyn K Davis Center is a resource for job search assistance and also hosts the Financial Empowerment Center.
We LIFT
https://www.facebook.com/weliftjobsearchcenter/
106 E 2nd Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
WE LIFT can help residents of Indianola with job search and resume development assistance.
Digital Literacy Resources
Self-Paced Learning
Some of these resources, including Northstar Assessments and Google Applied Digital Skills, require a username and password to log in.
Northstar Assessments
Northstar Learning Guide
Google Applied Digital Skills*
G-Suite Learning Center
GCF Learn Free
Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum
Tech Boomers
*Sign up as a student and use classroom code G8KYKZ
Typing Skills
Typing.com
Typing Club
Coding
HTML and CSS Training for Beginners
Code Academy
Hour of Code
Certification Levels
The GDCA certification process provides a path for learning and
growth as you progress through each level.
Bronze certification
- Basic introduction to digital literacy
- 1-on-1 overview of concepts with a Career Connector
- Identify career goals and align with digital skills
Silver certification
- Achieve typing speed of 25 words per minute
- Introduction to foundational digital platforms (internet, email, Windows)
- Pass introductory digital skills assessments
Gold certification
- Achieve typing speed of 35 words per minute (career standard)
- Demonstrate understanding of professional social media use
- Demonstrate proficiency in cloud-based platforms (G-Suite, Microsoft Suite – Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
Platinum certification
- Achieve typing speed of 45 words per minute (advanced standard)
- Demonstrate understanding of basic coding techniques
- Obtain Google industry certifications
Together, Goodwill and Google are empowering people with the digital skills they need to advance their careers and transform their lives.
Technology is constantly changing, and having strong digital skills can lead to a successful job search and a fulfilling career. From strengthening basic computer skills to gaining in-depth knowledge of Google software, this digital skills program is designed to fit all levels of experience and interests.