Google.org awards $15M in AI training grants for government workers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly revolutionizing many facets of society, including the public sector. From enhancing cancer detection systems for military personnel to advancing water conservation efforts and identifying critical disaster relief zones, AI is already making significant contributions to government services. In light of these transformative impacts, a major announcement was made at the Google Public Sector Summit in Washington, D.C. It was revealed that Google.org is providing $15 million in new funding to two prominent public sector organizations — the Partnership for Public Service and InnovateUS. This strategic investment is designed to elevate the capabilities of the U.S. government workforce in responsible AI usage.

The Partnership for Public Service: Leading the Charge in Federal AI Training

A substantial $10 million grant has been allocated to the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. This funding will be instrumental in establishing the Center for Federal AI, a pioneering hub set to launch in Spring 2025. The Center aims to foster AI leadership and develop talent within the federal government. It will serve as a learning platform where individuals ranging from interns to senior executives can gain insights into the responsible application of AI within government agencies. To accomplish this, the Center will feature a federal AI leadership program, a federal AI internship program, and other initiatives designed to nurture a vibrant learning community for federal AI leaders.

The Partnership for Public Service has already played a crucial role in encouraging AI adoption within the federal government. Since 2019, with support from Google.org and other partners, the organization has been training over 550 senior government leaders, representing more than 50 agencies across 35 states. These leaders oversee hundreds of thousands of federal employees and are being equipped with essential AI skills.

Max Stier, the president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, aptly describes AI as “today’s electricity,” emphasizing its transformative potential both in the public sector and society at large. He expressed gratitude for Google.org’s generous investment, which will allow the Partnership to expand its current programming and research. This funding will also enable the development of innovative new programs that empower agencies to harness AI more effectively, ultimately enhancing public service delivery. Stier is enthusiastic about the launch of the new Center for Federal AI, which is set to significantly advance their mission.

InnovateUS: Addressing Skills Gaps Across State and Local Governments

In addition to the funding granted to the Partnership for Public Service, InnovateUS will receive $5 million to further its mission. Supported by a consortium of federal, state, and local government partners, InnovateUS has been at the forefront of providing accessible AI training to public sector workers. They offer a range of educational resources, including self-paced courses, live workshops, and comprehensive training programs. To date, InnovateUS has trained over 40,000 learners and established partnerships with more than 100 agencies.

With the support from Google.org, InnovateUS aims to extend its reach, providing AI courses, workshops, and coaching programs tailored specifically for state and local government employees. The goal is to train more than 100,000 public sector workers across over 30 states. The curriculum will feature custom AI training modules developed by InnovateUS, alongside access to the Google Career Certificates program, which incorporates AI training. New Jersey, a founding member of InnovateUS, has already reported positive outcomes from AI training, as thousands of state employees have embraced AI to enhance service delivery.

Beth Simone Noveck, the Founder of InnovateUS and Chief AI Strategist for the State of New Jersey, highlights the importance of equipping government workers with the latest tools and technologies. By investing in upskilling programs for public sector professionals, InnovateUS aims to improve the effectiveness of problem-solving within government and restore trust among the public.

The Future of AI in Government

This recent funding announcement is part of Google.org’s $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, which is dedicated to equipping Americans with essential AI skills. By investing in AI training and upskilling, the efforts of organizations like the Partnership for Public Service and InnovateUS are paving the way for AI to play a central role in enhancing government services and addressing societal challenges. AI holds immense potential to support critical areas such as healthcare access, infrastructure management, and public safety.

Investing in AI education and training is crucial to ensuring that the public sector can fully benefit from AI’s capabilities. By focusing on responsible AI usage, these initiatives aim to equip government employees with the necessary tools and knowledge to implement AI solutions that serve the public effectively. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of government services but also addresses pressing societal issues that affect us all.

In conclusion, the funding provided by Google.org to the Partnership for Public Service and InnovateUS marks a significant step in advancing AI capabilities within the public sector. By fostering AI leadership, developing talent, and addressing skills gaps, these organizations are ensuring that the U.S. government workforce is well-prepared to harness the transformative power of AI. As AI continues to reshape the landscape of government services, these efforts will play a pivotal role in driving positive change and improving the lives of citizens across the nation.

For more information, you can visit the original announcement [here](http://google.org/).
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