Google has earmarked $75 million in grants for workforce development and education organizations aimed at teaching Americans how to leverage AI, as reported by CNET referencing the company’s recent announcement.
James Manyika, Google’s senior vice president for research, technology, and society, emphasized the potential of AI to propel economic growth with the right resources and training. To facilitate this, Google is introducing the “Google AI Essentials” online course, priced at $49 on Coursera. This course offers a 10-hour curriculum covering foundational AI skills relevant to everyday tasks, culminating in a certification upon completion.
Miami Dade College and Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning will administer the course to students and professionals, while Citigroup plans to utilize it for employee upskilling. The initiative aligns with Google’s broader goal of addressing the skills gap stemming from rapid technological advancement.
Tech giants like Google often use such education initiatives to enhance their brand image and nurture local talent, thereby accessing emerging markets. Similar efforts from other major tech firms include Microsoft Philanthropies, Amazon Future Engineer, and Meta Elevate.
One notable beneficiary of Google’s AI Opportunity Fund is Goodwill, a nonprofit specializing in job training and employment assistance. Goodwill’s CEO, Steve Preston, expressed optimism about equipping US job seekers with essential digital and AI skills, enhancing their prospects for lucrative employment and economic mobility.
