Google launches new initiatives to promote the racial equity and economic opportunity of AI.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new buzzword as the evolving technology grows in power and availability. With the expansion of tools like Open AI changing the digital workspace worldwide, there’s growing concern about where the average person can fit in.
As the use of AI increases, Google is working to aid those who want to know the best ways to use it, especially in the workplace. The increasing discussions on the impact of AI on economic mobility leads to questions on how it will impact the Black community considering a recent study from the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility that cites the potential AI could have on widening the racial wealth gap.
To ensure an inclusive move into AI, Google is working to bridge the gap through two new initiatives that promote racial equity and economic opportunity for historically overlooked communities. On Friday, April 26, Google launched the AI Essentials Course and Google.org AI Opportunity Fund.
“Research shows that employers are increasingly looking for AI skills, but not everyone has access to AI training,” Maya Kulycky, Google Research’s VP of Strategy and Operations tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“We created the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund to help make AI training universally accessible throughout the U.S. Through the fund, we’re providing grants for best-in-class workforce development to organizations—like Goodwill—that have great reach in local communities and a track record of helping diverse workers upskill.”
The AI Essentials Course, developed by AI experts, provides foundational AI skills for a flat fee of just $49. It provides participants with the best practices and responsible use of AI to enhance productivity and decision-making across various industries. Google’s aim for the course is to expand economic opportunities for individuals and communities alike.
“By taking the course, you’ll get practical, hands-on experience using AI to help with work through videos, readings, and interactive exercises,” she explained.
“The course will help people-—regardless of their job or industry—use generative AI to develop ideas and content, make more informed decisions, and speed up daily work tasks. For example, if you’re a marketer, you can use the course to draft a marketing outline, research audience insights, and produce creative content ideas. After completing the course, people will earn a certificate from Google that they can share with their professional network.”
Maya Kulycky, Google’s Research VP of Strategy and Operations, courtesy of Google
The Google.org AI Opportunity Fund aims to provide free AI training across a diverse array of sectors. With a goal of targeting underrepresented groups—including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, AAPI, people with disabilities, rural residents, and veterans—this initiative seeks to democratize AI education and foster widespread technological engagement.
“Google has always believed that the opportunities created by technology should be available to everyone,” Kulycky shares. “That includes ensuring digital skills training is available to people in all communities throughout the U.S.—regardless of their zip code or background.”
“Providing AI training to diverse workers is essential to leveling the playing field and helping everyone experience the economic benefits of AI.”
Google hopes its new AI initiatives will help combat any fears or concerns the Black community might have about the growth of AI.
“When people begin using AI technology, they start to see that it’s beneficial, assistive, and helpful to their everyday work. When people haven’t had the opportunity to learn about a new technology, that often results in concern with the unknown,” Kulycky says.
“We believe Google’s AI Essentials course and AI Opportunity Fund will help. Our aim is to break down barriers to using AI, so that everyone can become comfortable with the technology and start to benefit from it.”
Source: Black Enterprise
