Google Announces Major Investments in Data Centers, AI Education to Empower Millions

Search giant Google has announced a significant pledge of resources towards expanding its technical infrastructure and democratizing artificial intelligence training. The company revealed plans to invest over $3 billion to build out data center campuses in Virginia and Indiana that will power its cloud, AI and other technology initiatives.

Additionally, Google unveild a $75 million "AI Opportunity Fund" administered through its philanthropic arm Google.org. This fund aims to provide free AI skills training to 1 million Americans through nonprofit partners. A new "Google AI Essentials" course was also launched to teach foundational concepts in a manner accessible to all.

Two of the first recipients of skills funding include the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and national nonprofit Goodwill. IVMF will use the grant to offer the AI course and a cybersecurity certificate program to over 3,800 military members and their families. Goodwill aims to disseminate the AI training locally at 80% of its locations nationwide, with a focus on underserved groups.

The investments demonstrate Google's ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring the benefits of emerging technologies can reach every community. By expanding infrastructure and collaborating with established education and workforce development organizations, millions more Americans will gain access to opportunities in the fast-growing field of AI. The initiatives also support Google's mission to organize the world's information and make it useful for people everywhere.