Global learning platform Apolitical has received a $5 million grant from Google.org to scale up its Government AI Campus program and deliver one million civil servants with generative AI (genAI) skills within the next two years.
Robyn Scott, CEO and co-founder of Apolitical said that the funding will aim to bridge the gap between adoption and readiness with Apolitical data showing that whilst 60% of public servants are already using genAI in their work, only 35% have received guidance and just 15% have received training.
In the pilot phase, the Government AI Campus delivered training to 13,000 public servants, powered by content from institutions such as Stanford Online and with initial funding from Google.org and Rockefeller Foundation, accessing peer-to-peer communities, free online courses, and masterclasses with global experts.
Murat Soncul, Head of Privacy at Central Digital and Data Office said: “The AI Campus has taught me that I have a healthy balance of being excited but mindful and cautious about AI and its potential harms. It has made me think of ethical issues; AI is not just a technological innovation but it is about the people, services, and data that sits behind it.”
Google.org’s funding will expand the AI Campus through five new courses aimed at enhancing service delivery, policy implementation and government operations using genAI. This will include convenings and briefings for senior decision-makers, a thought leadership series, and new tools and frameworks for government decision-makers.
Rowan Barnett, Google.org’s Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa said: "We believe in the transformative power of AI for the public sector, and we're committed to enabling civil servants globally to leverage this technology responsibly and effectively for their constituents' benefit. Google.org is proud to support the Government AI Campus, which serves a critical role in preparing future-ready, technology-fluent government workers and leaders."