Explore the AI course and resources that are expanding on a global scale
Artificial intelligence has the potential to lead to one of the greatest social, economic and scientific transformations in history, so we must ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the technology.
One essential way to achieve this is through access to AI education, which will enable the development of the next wave of AI thinkers, researchers, and leaders. It is equally essential to ensure that these fresh generations are diverse and bring the different perspectives that are necessary to create AI solutions that meet the needs of society.
However, not every teenage person currently has access to AI education and resources.
Today, Google DeepMind and the Raspberry Pi Foundation are expanding access to Learn about the AI program.
This comprehensive introductory course is designed for teachers to provide students aged 11-14 with basic knowledge of artificial intelligence through responsible and interactive lesson materials, exercises and video tutorials. Developed in collaboration with education experts, materials are consistent with proven learning and development practices. Now we’re expanding the reach of Experience AI globally, with the goal of enabling more students to experience an AI-enabled world.
Expanding access to meet demand for AI education
Since its launch last year, Experience AI has reached more than 200,000 students around the world with translation requests from teachers in countries including Canada, Kenya and Romania.
Originally focused on the UK and encouraging access, particularly for students from low socio-economic backgrounds, the program has inspired a £1 million investment to expand the program’s reach and prepare more students for work in an AI-enabled world. This investment will lend a hand us work with regional partners to adapt and translate Experience AI lessons and enable thousands of teachers to be trained to deliver them in their classrooms.
Google DeepMind and the Raspberry Pi Foundation are forming a global group of organizations at the forefront of the AI literacy movement to provide training to local educators so they can deliver lessons to their students. The first stage of expansion is underway, the letter of intent was signed with:
- Techsoup Association (Romania) equips local nonprofits, schools, libraries and charities with state-of-the-art technology resources and training to drive social change.
- Digital moment (Canada) seeks to equip teenage changemakers with necessary digital skills such as coding, data literacy and artificial intelligence through vigorous learning experiences aimed at social good. They advocate for ethical innovation and inclusive learning, providing diverse youth with the tools and opportunities to shape a better future.
- TechKidz Africa (Kenya) nurtures the next generation of technology innovators through tailored technology programs in robotics, coding and digital design.
Increasing our commitment to increasing AI diversity
As we expand our AI experience around the world, we also aim to continue to develop a more diverse community of AI scientists, engineers and leaders to responsibly develop and deploy AI technologies. The growing representation of AI allows different values to shape its design and application.
This commitment to social inclusion also extends to our other initiatives and collaborations, including:
- Scholarships and fellowships: We provide funding to universities to support the provision of scholarships to underrepresented students pursuing master’s degrees in artificial intelligence and related fields. This includes providing financial aid, mentorship from Google DeepMind researchers and engineers, and access to AI conferences and events to build a community of diverse AI students and researchers. Our fellowships offer early-career researchers from underrepresented groups in AI-related fields funding and postdoctoral mentoring. In addition to financial support, we provide fellows with the opportunity to benefit from mentoring by senior Google DeepMind researchers.
- AI GOALS for science masters: In September 2023, we supported a fresh pan-African master’s degree program “AI for Science” through a collaboration with the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in South Africa – a one-year full-time program aimed at developing artificial intelligence skills for scientists.
- Indaba deep learning: We support this annual gathering that brings together over 800 members of the African AI community for a week of education, research and discussion on the latest developments in AI, and Google DeepMind researchers voluntarily co-host the event.
Giving everyone a voice
For AI to truly benefit everyone, everyone must have an impact. This diversity is crucial to ensuring that AI technologies are adapted to the needs of everyone and that AI realizes its potential to become one of the most essential technologies ever invented.
As we strive to create artificial intelligence that benefits humanity, we will continue to place education at the center of our mission, inviting teachers, students, enthusiasts and everyone else to join us.