Cook County Announces Applications Now Open for No-Cost Scholarships Through Partnership with Grow with Google

Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:00

COOK COUNTY, IL— Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced that applications are now open for Cook County’s Project Rainbow Initiative and Grow with Google’s scholarship program.

In a partnership first announced last fall, Cook County, in collaboration with Google, will offer no-cost scholarships for Google Career Certificate programs and AI courses, a critical opportunity for adult learners to gain the skills needed to grow their careers or start new ones.

This initiative builds on Project Rainbow’s commitment to education and expanding access to career training and economic opportunities from early to lifelong learners.

“Since its start, Project Rainbow’s mission has centered on equipping residents of all ages with the tools needed to build a brighter future. This partnership with Grow with Google furthers our commitment to creating opportunity through education and workforce development,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This scholarship program will open doors and pathways for hundreds of residents to accelerate their career path or learn new skills to be competitive in the workforce.”

“We launched Project Rainbow to bring future-changing opportunities directly to children and families, and today’s partnership with Google perfectly captures that mission," said Nick Shields, creator of Project Rainbow. "With Grow with Google, we are giving Cook County residents the tools they need to invest in themselves, build vital new skills, and unlock rewarding career pathways.

Google Career Certificates are flexible online courses designed to help residents build in-demand skills and earn credentials in high-growth fields like AI, IT support, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and project management.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to learn the skills needed for today's jobs,” said Lisa Gevelber, Founder of Grow with Google. “We’re excited to partner with Cook County’s Project Rainbow initiative to give residents no-cost access to Google Career Certificate programs and AI courses so they can build critical new skills and grow their careers.”

Through this partnership, program graduates will also gain support from Grow with Google for career exploration through Career Dreamer and access to career opportunities.

Individuals wishing to apply should visit [website link] to submit a program application online. Scholarships are limited and will be awarded to eligible applicants.

Eligible applicants:

Must be a resident of Cook County
Must be 18 years or older
Must have access to a computer and reliable internet
No prior experience or college degree required
Must be able to commit to completing an online training program

Launched in 2021 by the Office of the President, the Emmy Award-winning Project Rainbow initiative has driven significant community impact, beginning with the launch of Cook County’s first-ever mobile app. Since then, the initiative has partnered with world-class organizations to provide children and families with hundreds of hours of educational content while actively fostering youth literacy.

Furthermore, Project Rainbow helped establish the Provident Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over $5 million to more than 380 medical students since 2022. For more information, visit projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov.