ALBANY, NY – Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Dr. Khaitsa Wasiyo are excited to announce the launch of a new paid internship program for youth who have completed the Google Career Certificates Program.

Youthful Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing youth employability, is excited to announce its partnership with the Albany Mayor’s Office as an extension of its work with Google. Through this partnership, youth aged 16 to 24 are empowered to earn Google Career Certificates, Google AI Essentials and Google Prompting Essentials to help learners develop high-demand skills, like AI, to start or advance their careers.  

Under the supervision of the Director of Marketing, interns participating in the Mayor’s Marketing Internship Pipeline Program will engage in a variety of hands-on projects across different city departments, gaining real-world experience that complements their classroom learning. They will assist with tasks such as conducting research, developing marketing materials, and supporting community outreach initiatives. Additionally, interns will participate in skill-building workshops focused on digital marketing, project management, and professional development, enabling them to build a robust portfolio and enhance their employability. Through mentorship and collaboration with city employees, interns will gain valuable insights into public service and the inner workings of local government.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to provide the youth of Albany with their first real look at how our city operates,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “By opening doors to hands-on experience through this internship program, we are not only offering them valuable career insights but also building a dependable, skilled workforce that is invested in Albany’s future. Our young people are the foundation of tomorrow, and this initiative helps prepare them to contribute meaningfully to our community and its continued growth.”

“Our program is all about helping youth develop a creative problem-solving mindset and the necessary in-demand skills for success in their future careers and ventures,” said Dr. Khaitsa Wasiyo, Director of Youthful Impact. “By offering unique programs and non-traditional pathways to career success, we help youth advance more efficiently and accessibly, while opening doors to well-paying job opportunities for underrepresented groups.”

“Internships are proven gateways to jobs.  We are thrilled to be partnering with Youthful Impact to expand the opportunities to join Albany,” said Ann Marie Salmon, Commissioner of Administrative Services. “The participants in this program will be given meaningful work that will both allow them to grow their skills and bring fresh, new ideas to the City. Our team is excited to support their careers as they enter the workforce and make an impact in their communities.”

“While learning marketing in the classroom provides a strong foundation, it’s through real-world application that we truly grasp the complexities of marketing within the City of Albany,” said Nyla McKenzie-Isaac, Director of Marketing for the City of Albany. “This internship program allows youth to bridge that gap, transforming theory into practice as they navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of our community. By gaining hands-on experience, they will develop a deeper understanding of how effective marketing can drive positive change in our city.”

The certificates are offered in six in-demand fields: cybersecurity, data analytics, user experience (UX) design, IT support, project management, digital marketing and e-commerce. They can be completed in three to six months of part-time study. Seventy-five percent of certificate graduates report a positive career outcome (e.g., new job, promotion, or raise) within six months of completion. Google AI Essentials and Google Prompting Essentials are also available to the youth, where they can learn from experts at Google and get essential AI skills to boost their productivity and design prompts that consistently deliver useful results, amplifying AI’s impact, zero experience required. 

Once the Google Career Certificate program is complete, graduates connect with an employer consortium consisting of over 150 companies Many Google Career Certificates are recommended for up to 15 college credits by the American Council on Education, so participants will also have the opportunity to earn credits toward college. 

“This internship is valuable for my career, offering connections like the mayor and new professional opportunities, “said Laura, one of the first participants of the program. “ Being part of the Mayor’s Marketing Internship Pipeline Program allows me to apply the tech skills I’ve learned with Youthful Impact, gain real-world experience, and build a path toward future employment.”

Those interested in signing up are asked to visit Youthful Impact’s website to apply.