Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, has awarded a $10 million grant to the Partnership for Public Service to establish the Center for Federal AI. The center will focus on growing artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and leadership within the federal government, preparing federal agencies to harness the power of AI in delivering better, more efficient public services. This grant is part of Google.org’s broader $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, aimed at equipping one million Americans with AI training, with an emphasis on enhancing government capabilities through AI.
The Center for Federal AI is set to launch in March 2025, and it will serve as a hub for developing AI knowledge and leadership across federal agencies. The initiative builds on the Partnership for Public Service’s 20-year history of developing federal leaders and providing thought leadership, as well as its AI Federal Leadership Program. The center’s mission is to support the government as it evaluates, integrates, and regulates AI, ensuring that federal leaders have the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
The Center for Federal AI will adopt a comprehensive, four-pronged approach to fostering AI leadership in the federal government:
1. Develop Federal AI Leaders: The center will provide education and training to federal leaders on how to evaluate AI technologies and assess their potential use cases. This will empower decision-makers to implement AI tools and strategies effectively in their efforts to better serve the public.
2. Strengthen Federal AI Talent Capacity: A key focus of the center will be to help the government attract, develop, and retain AI professionals, as well as early-career talent from diverse backgrounds. This initiative will ensure the federal workforce is equipped with the AI expertise necessary to meet the evolving needs of government operations.
3. Empower Federal AI Community Learning and Literacy: The center will provide ongoing, interdisciplinary, and cross-sector learning opportunities to increase foundational AI literacy within federal agencies. This initiative will foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across sectors, ensuring that government leaders remain up-to-date with AI developments.
4. Recognize and Promote Effective Use of AI in Government: The center will celebrate and promote federal agencies that successfully use AI to benefit the public. By highlighting these successes, the center will encourage a culture of recognition and inspire further responsible AI innovation within the government.
The Partnership for Public Service believes that AI has the potential to revolutionize how the federal government delivers services, ensuring that these services are more effective, efficient, and equitable. The new Center for Federal AI aims to turn this vision into reality by equipping federal leaders with the skills, knowledge, and resources to successfully integrate AI into their operations.