Google Launches AI Education Course To Help Boost Productivity

Google is reportedly doling out $75 million in grants through its AI Opportunity Fund for workforce development and education organizations. The search giant aims to teach Americans how to utilize AI. Google’s senior vice president for research, technology, and society, James Manyika, stated:

“AI offers significant opportunities to accelerate economic growth, particularly if people have access to the right resources and training”

Google AI Essentials online course will help teach foundational AI skills and best practices. The course costs $49 on Coursera. Moreover, it will teach people how to use AI in day-to-day work. People will be able to earn a certificate on completion of the 10-hour course. Reports claim that Miami Dade College and Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning will offer the course to students and working professionals. Furthermore, Citigroup will also use the course to upskill employees.

Google Aims To Make AI Helpful for Everyone

Google.org is the company’s philanthropy arm. It aims to bridge the skill gap caused by the quick ascension of technology. Due to the high demand for tech workers, Google awards grants and develops programs to help build a more tech-savvy workforce. For tech companies, these types of education programs are also quite helpful. They not only help with the brand image but also cultivate local talent and help them break into emerging markets. Other Big Tech-driven philanthropic organizations include Microsoft Philanthropies, Amazon Future Engineer, and Meta Elevate. These organizations utilize donation assets and income to provide social useful services.

“We can help US jobseekers attain the core digital and AI skills needed to step into well-paying jobs and greater prospects for economic mobility”

It is pertinent to mention that this isn’t Google.org’s first foray into AI-driven philanthropy. The company has partnered with Goodwill for years. Moreover, it claims to train over 11 million workers in digital skills since 2017, through initiatives like online courses and credentials. Experts believe these educational strategies play an increasingly important role in the future of work, as the rapidly increasing speed of technological advancement requires workers to unfailingly upskill and re-skill.