At Google, we know that real innovation starts with people — especially those closest to the challenges their communities face. That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with Watson Institute, which runs globally recognized fellowships, to launch the Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship. Together, we are supporting changemakers who combine lived experience with bold vision to build lasting change.

Collaborating with the Watson Institute helps us expand our impact with intention — using technology and AI to deliver scalable, meaningful community solutions. Watson Institute’s expertise in developing entrepreneurs aligns with our belief that real innovation happens when local leaders are trusted, trained, and supported.

Whether it’s energy innovations, economic growth, or access to education and technology, each fellow will build solutions in their hometowns, with projects designed to reflect the specific needs, strengths, and opportunities within a fellow’s community.

Anitra Walker, 2024 Watson Institute Alumna, spoke at the culminating Fellowship Summit.

A certified Google educator works one-on-one with a child to increase his computer science and analytical thinking skills. The Google for Education Champions program recognizes educators for their expertise, passion, and system-wide work using Google tools to positively impact education.

Education is a fundamental right — and core to Google’s mission. In every data center community, our resources, skills, and people provide educational opportunities for everyone.

We invest in programs to teach digital skills that help all people, regardless of their technical backgrounds, prepare for the opportunities tied to the era of AI.

Google is committed to supporting communities recovering from life-changing challenges and building community resilience for the future. From disaster relief and disability resources to homelessness and food insecurity solutions, we’re investing in support of community programs and advocacy to spark change.

We are progressing our work alongside our growing cohort of critical collaborators — from schools to nonprofits to hospitals — who are addressing key local issues in all of our data center communities. Through cooperation and joint efforts, we work hand-in-hand with community leaders to address their greatest challenges. Together, we can advance every community’s ability to be prepared, to respond, and to use our resources to come back stronger from formidable situations.

Brian Barks, CEO of Foodbank for the Heartland in Nebraska, looks out from the distribution center. The foodbank ships food to families in need. Google has invested in this vital organization that serves our Iowa and Nebraska communities.