Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced 30,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for students from 30 universities across the province, marking a significant step towards digital education and skills development. The initiative aims to equip students with in-demand digital skills to enhance their employability and career prospects.
The announcement was made during a signing ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House, attended by key officials including Education Minister Sardar Shah, Secretary to CM Rahim Sheikh, Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission Professor Tariq Rafi, Secretary of Science & IT Noor Ahmed Samoo, Secretary of School Education Zahid Abbasi, vice chancellors of public sector universities, and Tech Valley CEO Umar Farooq.
Speaking at the event, CM Murad Ali Shah officially inaugurated the scholarship program and emphasized the Sindh government’s commitment to digital transformation. “This scholarship program is an investment in the bright future of our youth,” he stated. “By acquiring digital skills, our students will not only strengthen Sindh’s economy but also compete in the global job market.”
The program builds on the success of the 2024 Google Career Certificates initiative, where 1,500 students from 10 public universities in Sindh received scholarships. The new expansion will now benefit 30,000 students, offering training in fields such as project management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), UX design, and digital marketing.
CM Shah highlighted the Sindh government’s inclusive approach, ensuring that at least 30% of the scholarships are allocated to women. “We are committed to providing equal educational opportunities, especially for women and underprivileged communities,” he said.
Tech Valley CEO Umar Farooq also expressed pride in collaborating with the Sindh government on this initiative. “It is an honor to be a part of this transformative journey. We will ensure that graduates of this program receive networking, mentorship, and employment opportunities,” he said.
Highlighting past successes, CM Shah shared the story of Leena Kumari from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, who completed the Google AI Essentials course and secured an internship. Her success was recognized globally by Google. Additionally, graduates from last year’s program have secured jobs in international companies, with salaries ranging from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1.6 million per month.
“This initiative is a game-changer for Sindh’s students,” said IT Secretary Noor Ahmed Samoo. “With these globally recognized certificates, our youth will be well-prepared for international job markets.”
The scholarships are part of the Sindh government’s broader vision to revolutionize education through digital learning. The collaboration between the Sindh government, Google, and Tech Valley underscores a commitment to building a skilled workforce that will drive the province’s digital economy forward.
Applications for the Google Career Certificate scholarships are expected to open soon, providing students with the opportunity to gain world-class certifications and secure promising career paths in the tech industry.