Google Employees Head to Charleston for Service and Community Outreach Trip
August 20, 2015
CHARLESTON, SC – From Aug. 26 to 29, more than 80 Google employees from across the US will arrive in Charleston, SC for the annual Black Googler Network (BGN) outreach trip.
The Black Googler Network was founded in 2006 as one of the first employee resource groups (ERG) at Google. Like all 20+ ERGs, BGN is a grassroots network of employees with shared values of supporting diversity and inclusion internally and within our communities. BGN members volunteer in the community, share their expertise, and organize activities around a 3-pillar mission: Empower Communities. Transform Technology.
“Charleston has a rich, diverse history and we are proud to have our Black Googler Network come to this great city,” said Nancy Lee, Vice President of People Operations at Google. “We look forward to hosting a number of community outreach programs and workshops, with the goal of helping businesses become more successful on the web and encouraging young people in Charleston to consider careers in technology.”
This is the first time that a BGN outreach trip has been held in Charleston. Past outreach trips have been held in Atlanta, Chicago and New Orleans. Google has a long-standing commitment to the Lowcountry. Since 2007, Google has called Berkeley County home to a Google data center. Working with the Charleston Digital Corridor, Google has also supported Wi-Fi initiatives throughout the region, including Charleston’s Marion Square and Waterfront Park, in downtown Summerville and in Goose Creek.
In preparation for trip activities, Google is collaborating with local nonprofits, including the Avery Research Center, the Charleston Digital Corridor, the College of Charleston, the Trident Urban League, the Trident YMCA, and others.
Many of these activities are open to the community, free of charge. Registration is required for all events. Please refer to the links below:
Thursday – Aug. 27
Memminger Auditorium
56 Beaufain Street
‘Get Your Business Online’ Small Business Workshop (Let’s Put Charleston on the Map)
8:30am-1pm
We will host a ‘Get Your Business Online/Let’s Put Charleston on the Map’ event targeted to minority business owners and to the business Charleston’s business community and the surrounding areas. Attendees will learn how to update their business info. on Google Search and Maps, learn about online advertising and productivity tools and receive one-on-one assistance from Google volunteers.
Register at: events.gybo.com/events/12/register
Avery Seminar Room, Avery Research Center
125 Bull Street
College of Charleston
YouTube Panel
6pm-9pm
A special YouTube program, “Amplifying Black Voices Online,” featuring leading YouTube creators and community leaders on Thursday, Aug 27, 2015. We’ll hear from some of the most successful content creators and community leaders on how the local community and reclaim their voices on issues facing Charleston and the broader African American community in the digital space. The event will feature a round table discussion and interactive networking breakout sessions.
Register at: http://goo.gl/forms/NTnCUg1P7f
Friday – Aug. 28
Avery Research Center – Auditorium
125 Bull Street
College of Charleston
Goodie Hack: Day One
9am-1pm
We will partner with Amplify 4 Good, the College of Charleston and members of the community to discuss social injustice. We will identify ways we can use technology to turn ideas from this session into resources or tools (such as apps) that could be used by millions across the country. Also, enjoy an exclusive screening of the powerful documentary 3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets. Google.org will kick off the event.
Register at: http://goodiehack.com/charleston/#register
Career Workshops for College Students
9am-1pm
We will host office hours on campus for College of Charleston students who are affiliated with multicultural organizations to meet with Googlers and have their resumes reviewed, talk about interview strategies and receive general career advice. Location details in registration below.
Register at: https://goo.gl/CqbPLX
Saturday – Aug. 29
Harbor Walk
360 Concord Street
Computer Science (CS) Workshops for Students and Parents
8:45am-12:30pm
Working with the CS First team based in Google’s Berkeley County data center, we will host an intro to computer science session for elementary and middle school students and their parents using the CS First curriculum. Both students and their parents will experience sample CS First lessons and parents will learn ways to bring CS First Clubs to their kids’ schools or community centers.
Register at: goo.gl/CVkysk
Avery Research Center – Auditorium
125 Bull Street
College of Charleston
Goodie Hack: Day Two
9am-3pm
Attendees will join six other people on a team that comes up with an idea for a web or mobile app that helps solve a serious community problem. You’ll actually see your ideas come to life, and make a difference in the community. How cool is that?!
Register at: http://goodiehack.com/charleston/#register
