The company is committing 500 thousand dollars to Manitoba non-profit Com IT’s Recoding Futures IT training program, as well as 100 thousand dollars to Indspire so they can deliver their education and job training programs.

A press release from Google Canada states there’s a significant skills and education gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in the country when it comes to connectivity, graduation rates, and digital literacy.

It adds that as Canada rebuilds its economy post COVID-19, the company along with the two non-profits will work towards a common goal of bridging the gap, increase free access to digital skills education, and support economic growth with Indigenous communities.

Executive Director of ComIT Pablo Listingart says they’re excited to bring free digital skills training to Indigenous students and look forward to expanding the program in the New Year accommodating as many applicants as possible.