Google, through its AI Opportunities Fundis distributing $75 million in grants to workforce development and education organizations to teach Americans how to use AI, the company said Friday.
“AI offers significant opportunities to accelerate economic growth, especially if people have access to the right resources and training,” said James Manyika, senior vice president of research, technology and society at Google, in a statement.
The search giant is also launching the Google AI Fundamentals online course to help teach basic AI skills and best practices. The course, which costs $49 on Coursera, will teach people how to use AI in their daily work. Upon completing the 10-hour course, participants will receive a certificate. Miami Dade College and Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning will offer the course to students and working professionals. Citigroup will also use the course to enhance employee skills.
Google.org, the company's philanthropic arm, aims to close the skills gap caused by the rapid rise of technology. Given the demand for technology professionals, Google provides grants and develops programs to help create a more tech-savvy workforce. For technology companies, these types of educational programs help with brand image while cultivating and helping local talent. enter emerging markets. Other philanthropic organizations driven by Big Tech include Microsoft Philanthropies, Amazon Future Engineer, and Meta Elevate.
One of the first beneficiaries of Google's AI Opportunity Fund is Goodwill, a nonprofit that helps with job training and employment.
“We can help U.S. job seekers gain the essential digital and AI skills they need to land high-paying jobs and greater prospects for economic mobility,” said Goodwill CEO Steve Preston.
This isn't Google.org's first foray into AI-powered philanthropy. Generative AI for Educators aims to help teachers use AI tools in the classroom.
