Google.org Pledges $15M to Train U.S. Government Staff in AI Skills

At the Google Public Sector Summit in Washington, D.C., Google.org announced a new initiative aimed at upskilling the U.S. public sector workforce in responsible AI practices. The tech giant is allocating $15 million in funding to two prominent organizations—the Partnership for Public Service and InnovateUS—dedicated to providing AI training to government employees.

AI to Support Government Services

Artificial Intelligence is already transforming various aspects of government operations, from improving cancer detection systems for service members to advancing water conservation efforts and identifying disaster relief areas. Recognizing the need to further equip public sector workers with responsible AI skills, Google.org’s latest funding seeks to ensure government agencies are prepared for the increasing integration of AI technologies.

Establishing the Center for Federal AI

A significant portion of the funding, $10 million, will go to the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan nonprofit that has been actively promoting AI adoption within the federal government. This grant will support the establishment of the Center for Federal AI, scheduled to launch in Spring 2025. The Center will serve as a hub for cultivating AI leadership and talent within the federal government, offering programs tailored to government employees at all levels—from interns to executives.

The Center will feature a federal AI leadership program, an AI-focused internship program, and initiatives to build a learning community among federal AI leaders. These efforts will be a continuation of the Partnership’s work, which has already trained over 550 senior government leaders from more than 50 agencies across 35 states.

Supporting InnovateUS in Upskilling the Workforce

The remaining $5 million of Google.org’s funding will go to InnovateUS, an organization known for providing AI training to public sector employees through workshops and online courses. InnovateUS has already reached over 40,000 learners and has more than 100 agency partners. With Google.org’s support, InnovateUS will expand its offerings, delivering AI training to over 100,000 government employees across more than 30 states.

Through tailored courses and coaching programs, InnovateUS will help state and local government workers gain the skills needed to utilize AI technologies effectively. This includes access to the Google Career Certificates program, which provides comprehensive AI training.

Empowering Government Workers for the Future

Leaders from both organizations expressed their enthusiasm for the new funding. Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, said, “AI is today’s electricity—it’s a transformative technology that is fundamental to the public sector and to our society. Google.org’s generous investment will enable the Partnership to expand our current programming and research, and offer innovative new programming to empower agencies to capitalize on AI and better serve the public.”

Beth Simone Noveck, Founder of InnovateUS and Chief AI Strategist for the State of New Jersey, added, “For government to work better and be more accessible to the people it serves, our workers must have the opportunity to take advantage of the latest tools and technologies.”

The Future of AI in the Public Sector

This $15 million investment is part of Google.org’s larger $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, designed to help Americans develop essential AI skills. As AI becomes increasingly integral to government services, the efforts of organizations like the Partnership for Public Service and InnovateUS are crucial for ensuring that public sector workers are prepared to meet the challenges of the future. With responsible AI training, government employees can enhance public services, improve infrastructure management, and bolster public safety—ultimately benefiting society as a whole.