The global online learning platform, Apolitical, has secured a $5 million grant from Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL).org. This funding aims to enhance Apolitical’s Government AI Campus program, which focuses on equipping civil servants with the necessary skills to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their governmental operations. The initiative seeks to address the knowledge gap in AI usage among public servants, providing a comprehensive platform for learning and applying AI technologies responsibly.
Apolitical’s Government AI Campus initially trained 13,000 public servants during its pilot phase, thanks to content from prestigious institutions like Stanford Online and initial support from Google.org and the Rockefeller Foundation. As the adoption of generative AI accelerates, public sector entities are keen to explore its potential to improve service delivery and policy implementation. The AI Campus is uniquely positioned to provide the necessary tools and knowledge to incorporate generative AI effectively while managing associated risks.
Scaling Up AI Training
The Government AI Campus aims to reach one million government workers over the next two years. With the new funding, the program will introduce five new courses, senior decision-maker briefings, a series on thought leadership, and innovative tools and frameworks for decision-making in governments. This expansion also includes adapting the content to various country contexts by partnering with local government ministries, translating materials into ten languages, and developing country-specific case studies. These efforts are intended to ensure that the training is relevant and accessible to a broader audience.
Addressing the Training Gap
Apolitical’s data reveals that while 60% of public servants already use generative AI, only 35% have received guidance, and a mere 15% have undergone formal training. The new funding will help bridge this gap by providing high-quality training and resources. Robyn Scott, CEO and co-founder of Apolitical, expressed excitement over the opportunity to elevate government capabilities in AI and expressed gratitude to Google.org for its support. Google.org’s Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Rowan Barnett, emphasized the importance of enabling civil servants to leverage AI technology responsibly and effectively.
Murat Soncul, Head of Privacy at Central Digital and Data Office, Cabinet Office, UK, highlighted that the AI Campus has instilled a balanced perspective of excitement and caution regarding AI. He noted the importance of considering ethical issues, as AI involves not just technology but also the people, services, and data behind it.
Key Insights
– Targeting one million government workers worldwide.
– Expanding with five new courses and multi-language translations.
– Addressing the significant training gap in AI usage among public servants.
The $5 million grant from Google.org marks a significant step towards transforming the public sector’s approach to AI. By scaling up the Government AI Campus, Apolitical aims to create a more knowledgeable and tech-savvy workforce capable of leveraging AI responsibly. This initiative also ensures that the benefits of AI are accessible to a diverse range of government workers globally. The focus on localized content and ethical considerations underscores the importance of context-specific training in maximizing the positive impact of AI in government operations. The collaboration between Apolitical and Google.org exemplifies a commitment to building future-ready, technology-fluent government leaders and workers.
