Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Alphabet Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat on Friday announced a $1 billion investment to expand Google’s Virginia data center campuses this year including two Loudoun County sites.
The $1 billion investment brings Google’s total investment in the state to more than $4.2 billion. Google calculates its Loudoun County investment at more than $1 billion.
“Google’s ongoing investment in Virginia is a testament to our state’s skilled talent, robust infrastructure, and leadership in advancing the development and application of emerging technologies,”Youngkin stated in the April 26 announcement. “We are proud that Google is furthering its commitments to Virginia’s economic growth by investing an additional $1 billion in our Loudoun County and Prince William data center campuses.”
The company also announced two new AI workforce development initiatives—a $75 million Google.org AI Opportunity Fund and a new Google AI Essentials course—to help workers and students in Virginia realize the economic benefits of new technologies.
“Our AI Essentials Course and $75 million Google.org AI Opportunity Fund will help provide access to the economic opportunities AI can offer,” Porat stated. “Together with our partners and community-led organizations, Google is committed to delivering targeted AI skilling and training so that Virginians, veterans, and millions of others can make the most of the opportunities of today and tomorrow.”
The AI Essentials course will teach people to use AI in day-to-day work. In under 10 hours, people will get hands-on experience using AI to help with work tasks through videos, readings, and interactive exercises. After completing the course, participants will earn a certificate from Google to share with their network. The course is $49 on Coursera and will also be available at no cost in Virginia through select nonprofits, including IVMF and Goodwill. Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning will also provide the course to working learners.
To learn more go to Google in Virginia.
