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Winners of the Google Hispanic Heritage Month, Pay it Forward contest

January 6, 2017

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month*, Google hosted the ‘Pay it Forward’ contest.* In this blog post we’ll have a Q&A with our winners, Oscar Cazalez and Luis Narvaez, showcasing their amazing work that impacts educational access and opportunity for the Hispanic community. *Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Student Winner: Oscar Cazalez Based in Chicago, Ill., Oscar is a senior at the Illinois Institute of Technology where he is simultaneously studying toward a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance. This year, Oscar worked with 4 peers to form a scholarship fund for undocumented students who don’t qualify for federal aid or student loans. So far, the fund has raised over $11,000 and multiple grants have already been awarded.

Professional Winner: Luis Narvaez Also based in Chicago, Luis is the Director of Strategic Projects at Chicago Public Schools. Luis came to the US from Mexico when he was 15 and had to learn English as a second language. In his current role, Luis works to develop initiatives like Bilingual Student Access to College and Career Attainment (BACCA), which brings together elementary, middle and high school counselors, college admissions and financial aid representatives, and members of community based organizations focused on college access for underrepresented populations. Luis is currently working toward his Masters in Educational Leadership.

What would people would be surprised to learn about you? Oscar: When I tell people my story of how I got to the United States, they are usually surprised. But they are truly surprised when I tell them that I am a first generation college student, play Division III Men’s Soccer for my university, and I am finishing my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration while taking classes for my Master in Science of Finance. I am just one of millions of undocumented students who are doing great work in their respective fields.
Luis: I became a US citizen as soon as I was eligible and have had the chance to travel throughout Latin America, Puerto Rico, and parts of Europe. Traveling is one of my biggest passions and I will continue to travel for as long as I can. My wife and I also have raised a beautiful 4 year old since birth as our foster child and will be adopting him very soon.
It sounds like your work requires a lot of time, dedication, and energy. How do you keep it up? Oscar: My days are always long and I am stressed almost all the time. But I know the importance of taking care of my mental and physical health. When I am not in soccer season, I go to the gym to relieve my stress; I usually do power lifting. I’m lucky that I live in Chicago because I go biking by the Lake during the summer.

I know many undocumented students are not open about the immigration status but I am not afraid because I know for a fact that if you’re undocumented and attending college, you have worked and sacrificed so much. At the end of the day, my vision and purpose motivate me to keep going.
Luis: The 3 Fs in my life are my backbone. One F is for family - I am blessed to have a very loving and caring wife, who supports my journey and helps me raise our two boys (3 and 4 years of age), and a mother and father who've been by my side every step of the way. I am also a man of faith, so that's the second F; I believe that we are all connected to spiritual powers beyond our understanding and control, and I like to stay in connection with those forces. The third F is for friends who I have always leaned on for support and advice and who cheer me on every step of the way.
What motivates you to do this work? Why do you think it’s important to pay it forward? Oscar: My younger undocumented peers motivate me because I was once a student who feared going to college due to my immigration status. I was always told if I worked hard, I could go places but I found out that there are more barriers when you’re undocumented. Growing up, others lent me a helping hand, so I am just doing the same thing for others.
Luis: I think we always need to take a look at our accomplishments and achievements, be thankful for our current position, and pay it forward by helping others get to a similar point. Being selfish is the worst path we can take when we reach success. I come from a community where we care for one another, help each other when there's obstacles in the way, and celebrate others achievements and successes as if they were our own.
Who or what inspires you? Oscar: My parents are my greatest motivation because they risked everything to give their children a better life and a shot at the American Dream. One day, I want to pay it forward to my parents by buying them a house and helping them financially. It has been a tough journey but I have always let my work ethic speak for itself.
Luis: As a former ESL student who arrived from Mexico at the age of 15 without US citizenship, I give credit for where I am today to all of the educators in high school, undergraduate, and graduate level who believed in me and pushed me to challenge myself.
What’s next for you? Oscar: My short term goal is to get an internship this upcoming summer and to graduate with a Master of Science in Finance, while continuing to fundraise for the scholarship. Long-term, I plan to work either in banking or the tech sector for about five years before starting my own company. I also want to continue my activist work by creating more resources for students who are in financial need but don’t qualify for aid or loans; motivating students to pursue STEM degrees; and by being a constant advocate for immigrant rights.
Luis: I would like to pursue a PhD. I am very well aware of the lack of educated Latino males in this country and I would like to become a role model for them. I am very interested in pursuing a program in Educational Policy Studies and so I can have positive impact in shaping the future of education in America.

Spotlight on Women Techmakers Scholars: Amy & Alma (Spoiler alert: application advice!)

November 21, 2016

Through the Women Techmakers Scholars Program - formerly the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship - Google is furthering Dr. Anita Borg’s vision of creating gender equality in the field of computer science by encouraging women to excel in computing and technology and become active leaders and role models in the field.

We have awarded the scholarship to women from all over the world since 2004 who continue to inspire us with their leadership and achievements. We recently caught up with Alma Castillo (2015 scholar from EMEA) and Amy Baldwin (2014 scholar from the US) to share their experiences as scholars and advice for potential applicants:

Amy Baldwin

Alma Castillo

Tell us a little about yourself:

Alma Castillo: I studied Computer Science and Mathematics as an undergrad at the Autonomous University of Madrid and at the time I received the scholarship, I was studying a MSc. in HCI at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. I always knew I wanted to make software people could interact with to make their lives easier and better.

Amy Baldwin: I grew up in Prescott, Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University in 2015 with a BS in Computer Science. While I was a student I did two internships at Google — as an Engineering Practicum intern in 2013 and a Software Engineering intern in 2014. I came back to Google as a full-time Software Engineer in August 2015 and currently work on home automation for the Google Assistant. In my free time, I love to knit, do yoga, and hike.

What do you think of the application process?

Alma: The application process is a great way to reflect on yourself and the hard work you have done until now. Take your time and make sure you show who you are in your essay.

Amy: Essay questions are always nerve-racking and, of course, the part of the application process that scares us all the most. I believe the key is to just be yourself and speak honestly in your own voice. Make sure the readers know who you are and what you're passionate about. Once you dive in with this mindset, it's not too bad!

Besides the financial benefit, what else did you gain from the scholarship?

Alma: When I think about the scholarship, the most important thing I see is the amazing people I have met through it. At the scholar's' retreat I met other women studying Computer Science in different countries that have now become great friends I turn to for collaboration and advice. The scholars network expands through the years and the different regions providing an incredible family of computer scientists full of women ready to help each other.

What impact has the Scholarship had on you and your academic career?

Amy: Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to leave my off-campus job to only work on campus, and better focus on school. I actually had enough time to finish my undergraduate honors thesis, which I'm thankful I did! I [also] was invited to attend the annual award night held by my school, which is typically exclusive to graduating students, to be recognized for the award. It was really cool to be recognized in front of my professors and staff for my accomplishments, and I ended up attending the following spring as the Outstanding Undergraduate in Computer Science.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the scholarship next Year?

Alma: Apply! Even if you think it will be difficult. The application process is a great way to reflect on yourself and discover the great things you have done. Don't be afraid. Just show who you are and what you are passionate about.

Amy: As I mentioned before, just be honest and speak in your own voice. The scholarship committee wants to know who you are, which includes all of the awesome things you've accomplished but also the road you've taken to get where you are and your potential to do the many incredible things you'll do in the future. Also, don't hesitate to apply! I was so close to never submitting my application because I truly believed there was no way I was possibly good enough. I had the same fear when applying for my first internship. You just need to remember that you are awesome, and if you don't apply, you'll never know you had it in you!

What are the next steps for you?

Alma: I recently graduated from my MSc. and I now work as a Software Engineer at Google Play. I hope to continue passing it on through the scholars community.

Amy: I certainly can't see myself leaving Google anytime soon. I love my job and my team - it's exciting being at the center of a product that is so important to the company and our users!

Read more about the program and apply here! We are currently accepting applications for the US, Canada and EMEA. Applications for Asia Pacific will open in early 2017.

Bring developers at your university together for Hash Code 2017!

October 24, 2016

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an engineer at Google?
Now’s your chance to satisfy your curiosity by volunteering to host a Hash Code hub at your university. Hash Code, a team-based programming competition, tasks university students and professionals across Europe, the Middle East and Africa with solving a real Google engineering problem. And we’re looking for developers to help bring the excitement to their own communities in February 2017. Are you up for the challenge?

Students compete in the Online Qualification Round in February 2016 from a hub at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Spain
Last year, 17,000 students and professionals from more than 90 countries teamed up to optimize drone delivery schedules for Hash Code’s Online Qualification Round. While teams can compete from wherever they’d like to, many opted to join in from one of the 300+ hubs organized by fellow developers (where, it’s safe to say, they had a lot of fun).
Laco Pápay organized the hub at his university in Bratislava last year (and is now a Googler based in Zurich). “Before the competition started, we had a lot of fun with set-up: decorating the room, taking pictures for the hub photo contest,” he said. “When the problem was announced and people sat down to work, the fun continued. Competing against teams on a scoreboard is great, but it’s even more exciting if the teams you’re up against are sitting just one desk over.

Teams work together to schedule satellite operations during the 2016 Final Round at Google Paris.
The Online Qualification Round for 2017 will take place on February 23, 2017. From there, the top 50 teams will be invited to Google Paris for the Final Round on April 1.
If you think you might want to host a hub, find out more and sign up on our site. If you’re not able to host but would like to compete, you can be among the first to know when registration opens in December.

Google UK launches applications for Higher Level Apprenticeships in Digital Innovation

October 7, 2016

** UPDATE — deadline extended to Jan 15, 2017 **
We are delighted to open applications for the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Digital Innovation Program with Google UK! As the entry point for students’ career in technology, the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Digital Innovation Program provides the skills students need to pursue a career in tech. This apprenticeship targets students who want to experience working in a tech company, while at the same time studying towards a foundation degree in Computer Science.
Googler Divya Vishwanath.jpg

Students selected as apprentices will be assigned to a Google host for the duration of their two-year apprenticeship and will get the opportunity to work alongside a team of engineers to solve real-life problems. The program will start with a two-month initial training with our partner Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, in May 2017.

If this sounds interesting and you meet the minimum qualifications listed below, we encourage you to apply at goo.gl/tTkW52 before 31st December, 2016.
Minimum qualifications:

Have authorisation to work in the United Kingdom

A Levels (or equivalent) at grade B or above (or equivalent) in Math or Science related subjects

Ability to speak and write in English fluently and idiomatically

Prior coding experience in any programming language

For any questions, please email us at apprenticeship.lon@google.com. Posted by the Tech Student Development team

2017 Google Online Marketing Challenge (GOMC) Registrations are Now Open

October 5, 2016

We are excited to announce the launch of the 10th edition of the Google Online Marketing Challenge! Professor and student registrations for the 2017 GOMC are now open.
What is GOMC? GOMC is an annual global online marketing competition for students from higher education institutions around the world. Google provides student teams with a $250 Google AdWords budget to develop and run an online advertising campaign for a real business or nonprofit organization of their choice. An independent Academic Panel, along with AdWords experts at Google, review the campaigns and select winning teams based on the success of their campaigns and the quality of their competition reports.
Why GOMC? GOMC gives professors a chance to bring marketing theory to life by engaging students and allowing them to:

Gain relevant and valuable skills through a practical hands-on learning experience

Build a true relationship with a client and make a real-life impact in their community

Gain exposure to the digital marketing landscape using real money on a live advertising platform

Become AdWords Certified as a way to showcase their AdWords knowledge to potential employers

Win awesome prizes like a trip to the Googleplex, a donation for their nonprofit partner, digital devices, cool Google swag and more

2016 GOMC Regional Europe Winners visiting the Google Ireland office.
Many students have found a real passion for helping businesses/nonprofits build awareness and find new customers by growing their online presence in this fast-paced digital world. Students have graduated and continued to work with their GOMC competition client, some have launched their career at a digital marketing agency, others have become entrepreneurs and used their skills to market their own business (or even start their own digital marketing agency to help local businesses in their community), and others have embarked on a career path at Google. Whether students find that digital marketing is the career for them or not, the valuable business, consulting and communication skills gained from working with their team on a comprehensive project, from strategy development, to execution and analysis, and working with a real business or nonprofit will help them prepare for a successful career.
To learn about the impact of the GOMC, check out the video below.

What's new? Over 110,000 students and professors from almost 100 countries have participated in the past 9 years, and this year GOMC is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary with some exciting updates to the competition:

The optional Google+ Social Media Marketing category is being replaced with a new and exciting AdWords Certification Award.

In addition to all Winners, Finalists and Semi-Finalists, student teams completing the Challenge with a Strong performance rating will also receive a personalized certificate noting their status in the competition this year.

The algorithm has been updated to evaluate AdWords performance beyond text ads with a primary focus on the Search Network, and will now factor in the structure and performance of the following campaign types: Search Network Only Campaigns, Display Network Only Campaigns, Video Campaigns, Shopping Campaigns and Mobile App Promotion/Universal App Campaigns.

This year campaigns do not need to serve for a maximum of 21 consecutive calendar days and instead student teams have the option to pause their campaigns to optimize for their client’s business needs. See the competition Terms & Conditions for more details.

The Digital Marketing Course content has been completely revamped and includes new resources like the Digital Garage, a one-stop shop for mastering digital marketing with free courses on everything from search to social media, the Analytics Academy and resources on Google My Business.

How do I sign up? In order for a student team to participate in the competition, they need to have their professor register first. Professors can choose to incorporate GOMC into their curriculum or informally support a group of interested students. Once the professor has registered, students can develop teams of 3-6 members and elect one team captain to register their team for the competition.
Professors Registrations Open: October 5, 2016 - March 22, 2017 Students Registrations Open: October 5, 2016 - April 5, 2017
For more information on the competition, please visit www.google.com/onlinechallenge and add our Google+ Page to your circles (google.com/+googleonlinemarketingchallenge) to receive regular competition updates and reminders.
Don’t miss out on this learning opportunity and chance to make a real-life impact. Register today! The Google Online Marketing Challenge Team

Applications are open for 2017 scholarship opportunities in the US, Canada and EMEA!

October 3, 2016

Google is proud to offer academic scholarships and development opportunities to students from historically underrepresented groups pursuing computer science degrees. We aim to help students from diverse backgrounds become future leaders and role models in computing and technology by breaking down the barriers that prevent them from entering these fields.

Selected students will receive a financial award for the 2017-18 academic year and be invited to the annual Google Scholars' Retreat in their region next summer. At the retreat, scholars will participate in networking and development sessions, including sessions on how to lead outreach in their communities. Scholars also join long term a community of former scholarship recipients for continued networking and development. Check out each program below:
Women Techmakers Scholars Program (US/Canada/EMEA - Asia Pacific will open in early 2017) Formerly known as the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, we have joined forces with Google’s Women Techmakers program to continue to honor Dr. Anita Borg and her legacy. Dr. Borg devoted her life to encouraging the presence of women in computing. The program is open to current female undergraduate or graduate students who will be studying at a university for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Generation Google Scholarship (US/Canada) The Generation Google Scholarship was established to help aspiring computer scientists excel in technology and become leaders in the field. This program supports current university students from underrepresented groups including African American, Hispanic, American Indian or Filipino/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander who will be studying at a university for the 2017-2018 academic year. The Generation Google Scholarship for current high school seniors in the US/Canada will open in early 2017.
Google Lime Scholarship (US/Canada) and The Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities We’ve partnered with Lime Connect (US/Canada) and EmployAbility (Europe), nonprofit organizations that support students with disabilities while they pursue education and promising careers, to help university students with disabilities work toward their academic goals in the field of computer science. The scholarship is open to current undergraduate or graduate students with disabilities who will be studying at a university for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Google Student Veterans of America (SVA) Scholarship (US only) As part of our commitment to military veterans, Google established the Google SVA Scholarship in partnership with Student Veterans of America. The scholarship provides assistance to student veterans or students on Active Duty who are pursuing a degree in computer science at a university for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Please visit each program’s website for specific details, application information and deadlines. We encourage all students who meet the eligibility criteria to apply!

Contest Spotlight: ‘Paying It Forward’ in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

September 26, 2016

Are you passionate about helping your community? Know someone who is? If so, check out Google’s annual Pay It Forward contest!
In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, the Google Staffing Programs team has worked closely with the Hispanic Googler Network to recognize leaders in education who are advancing opportunities for their local communities.
Students (high school or college, 14 and older), educators (teachers, administrators, school staff), and education-focused organization leaders (non-profit, private) are invited to tell us how they have positively impacted and influenced Hispanic communities within the U.S. We’re seeking leaders whose work in education demonstrates a commitment to expanding access and opportunities for the Hispanic community.
The deadline to enter the contest is October 3rd, 2016 at 11:59pm PT.
Submissions will be judged by a team of Googlers, who will be assessing the innovation, scale and the short- and long-term effects of your impact. Contest winners will have the opportunity to have their work featured on the Google Student Blog and connect with experts from our education outreach team.
To both enter the competition and get more info, visit our 2016 Pay It Forward website.Excited to see your submissions!

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