Google launches AI skills course with $75m grants in education push

Search engine giant Google has announced that it will be offering $75 million in grants to workforce development and education organisations to teach Americans how to use AI, CNET reported citing the company's announcement made on Friday.

"AI offers significant opportunities to accelerate economic growth, particularly if people have access to the right resources and training," Google's senior vice president for research, technology and society, James Manyika, said in a release.

The tech company is also launching the "Google AI Essentials" online course to help teach foundational AI skills and best practices.

CNET also reported that this course costs $49 on Coursera and provides a 10-hour curriculum that will equip candidates with AI skills applicable to their day-to-day work.

Upon completing the course, students will earn a certificate.

Miami Dade College and Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning will provide the course to students and working professionals while Citigroup will use the course to upskill its employees.

The education programme is part of Google's aim to bridge the skill gap caused by the rapid advancement of technology.

To help create a more tech-savvy workforce, Google awards grants and develops programmes, given the high demand for tech workers.

These types of education programmes help tech companies with their brand image while also cultivating local talent and helping them break into emerging markets. 

Other Big Tech-driven philanthropic organisations include Microsoft Philanthropies, Amazon Future Engineer and Meta Elevate.

An early recipient of Google's AI Opportunity Fund is Goodwill, a nonprofit that assists in job training and employment.

"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," said Goodwill CEO Steve Preston.