Google.org Unveils AI Opportunity Fund Recipients in Europe

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Recent breakthroughs in AI, especially Generative AI, could boost the EU economy by an impressive 1.2 trillion Euros and save the average worker over 70 hours annually. To fully tap into AI's potential, it's crucial to equip people across various industries with the necessary knowledge and tools. This is particularly important for those in underserved communities who stand to benefit greatly from these advancements. Back in February, Google.org launched the €15 million AI Opportunity Fund: Europe, aimed at supporting the Centre for Public Impact (CPI). CPI then reached out to nonprofit and civil society organizations dedicated to aiding vulnerable communities, offering them not just financial support but also comprehensive, custom-designed foundational AI training courses developed by Google and its partners. The response was overwhelming, with over 400 applications coming in from 29 countries. This flood of interest gave us valuable insights into the demand for AI skills and the best ways for nonprofits to deliver this education. Today, we're thrilled to announce that 80 organizations across 24 countries have been selected. Together, they'll train over 20,000 individuals—including women, people with disabilities, migrant workers, and displaced people—aiming to equip them with foundational AI knowledge that will pave the way for long-term professional success. Here's a glimpse at some of the chosen organizations: Viešieji interneto prieigos taškai, Lithuania Viešieji interneto prieigos taškai is set to train 400 public librarians, particularly those over 45, to boost their digital skills. This initiative will help ensure that public services in Lithuania meet community needs and enhance overall digital literacy. Ares Association, France Ares Association will support 200 job-seekers from underserved communities in France, including refugees, people with disabilities, youth, and seniors. They'll receive AI training tailored to their digital and language needs, aiming to improve their social and professional integration and job prospects. Asociación Programamos, Spain Asociación Programamos plans to train 100 racially minoritized individuals and black migrants in Sevilla, focusing on sectors like agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. This training will help participants enhance their job opportunities, transition into new fields, and promote social and economic inclusion. Spectrum Intelligence, Netherlands Spectrum Intelligence will train 100 autistic adults in the Netherlands and Germany, aiming to improve their employability and job prospects. The program will not only boost participants' confidence through AI skills but also contribute to a more inclusive job market and expand employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. prg.ai, z. s., Czechia prg.ai, z. s. will train 180 public servants in foundational AI skills to drive digital transformation within government and public sector roles. This training will enhance AI literacy, enabling participants to better understand and implement AI solutions, ultimately leading to more responsive and technology-driven public services. FIT Fast Track into Information Technology, Ireland FIT Fast Track into Information Technology will train 400 socially marginalized and disadvantaged individuals, with a focus on women in rural Ireland. The training will cover AI skills and tools, helping participants succeed in an AI-driven job market and fostering growth in remote communities with limited digital resources. These nonprofits, along with all 80 selected organizations, share a common goal: to empower vulnerable communities by closing the AI skills gap and ensuring everyone has access to the opportunities that tomorrow's technology will bring. We can't wait to see the impact they'll make.

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