Google Career Launchpad Program Delivers Hands-On Training and Prepares Students for the Google Cloud Generative AI Leader (GAIL) Certification

Fast Lane and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Join Forces to Empower HBCU Students with Google Cloud’s Innovative Generative AI Skills and Industry Certification

Raleigh, NC – November 1, 2025 – Fast Lane, a leading global Authorized Training Partner, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) today unveiled the Google Career Launchpad Program. This nine-week training initiative aims to equip students across the TMCF network with vital skills in cloud infrastructure and Generative AI, preparing them for in-demand entry-level roles and the Google Cloud Generative AI Leader (GAIL) certification.

This collaboration addresses the urgent need for diverse, skilled talent in advanced cloud and AI technologies. Leveraging Fast Lane’s extensive expertise as a Google Cloud Authorized Training Partner, the program offers a comprehensive, practical curriculum designed to close the growing AI skills gap.

Closing the Skills Gap with Generative AI Expertise

Open to all TMCF network students regardless of prior cloud or AI experience, the Career Launchpad Program builds both foundational and advanced knowledge in cloud infrastructure, emphasizing generative AI applications, and preparing for roles that incorporate AI-driven business strategies and innovation.

"Generative AI is reshaping business models across every sector, and organizations urgently need talent that can translate AI capabilities into measurable outcomes," said Mark Guidatta, Fast Lane’s CEO. "This program is engineered to build that capability. We are equipping TMCF students with technical depth, a strategic mindset, and applied experience to drive impact from day one. This is workforce development that accelerates business performance," he added.

Fast Lane, recognized as the Google Cloud 2024 Rising Star Training Partner of the Year, brings proven excellence in curriculum design and delivery. The training incorporates hands-on labs featuring Gemini Enterprise, enabling participants to learn generative and agentic AI principles through real-world practice.

Program Structure and Outcomes

The nine-week blended program includes:

Instructor-Led Training (ILT): Nine weekly virtual sessions complementing on-demand Google Cloud courses.
Hands-On Labs: Interactive exercises to reinforce learning objectives.
Expert Support: Weekly virtual office hours with instructors and bi-weekly one-on-one mentorship sessions with Google and Deloitte professionals.
Career Development: Dedicated support from TMCF career coaches guiding job placement and professional growth.

Graduates of the program receive a voucher to take the GAIL certification exam, six months of access to Google Cloud Skills Boost resources, and additional career advancement tools. The GAIL certification confirms participants’ expertise in leveraging generative AI within the Google Cloud ecosystem, positioning them as next-generation AI leaders.

About Fast Lane

Fast Lane Consulting and Education Services (U.S.) and Fast Lane Canada are recognized global leaders in IT training and consulting solutions. As one of Google Cloud’s largest Authorized Training Partners, Fast Lane is renowned for deep infrastructure expertise and innovative skills development and holds Google Cloud Training Specializations in Data Analytics and Security. About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)

Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community. TMCF member schools include the 57 publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly Black institutions, and historically Black community colleges, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit www.tmcf.org.

Media Contact:
Eric Goldvarg
eric.goldvarg@fastlane.net