AR: State of Arkansas Partners with Google on Digital and AI Skills Initiative

The State of Arkansas is partnering with Google to help grow digital skills and increase access to workforce training resources across the state.

Governor Sarah Sanders announced the partnership between the State of Arkansas and Google during the unveiling of the company’s new data center in West Memphis. Through this partnership, Google will offer no-cost scholarships to its Google AI courses and Google Career Certificates to tens of thousands of Arkansans.

“Google just announced a multi-billion-dollar investment to develop an advanced data center in West Memphis — one of the largest investments in our state’s history. As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves our economy, reshapes how we live and work, and transforms industries across all sectors,” said Governor Sanders, “this partnership with Google will give Arkansans the tools they need to thrive in tomorrow’s workplace, use AI safely, and fuel growth in our state’s technology ecosystem.”

Arkansans over the age of 18 can visit the Arkansas Department of Commerce’s website and sign up for a free scholarship to enroll in eligible programs at no cost. The scholarship can be applied to the Google AI courses and to Google Career Certificates. Google AI courses are five-hour, self-paced courses taught by Google AI experts designed to provide foundational training on generative AI tools, responsible AI use, and prompting. The Google Career Certificate program provides flexible online training in multiple career fields, including data analytics, project management, cybersecurity, IT support, user experience (UX) design, and digital marketing and e-commerce.

"Google is committed to creating economic opportunities in Arkansas," said Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow with Google. "Through our collaboration with the state to provide our Google AI Essentials and Career Certificate programs to workers at no cost, we're equipping the state's workforce with the skills they need to seize exciting new career opportunities today and in the years to come."

The Department of Commerce website features information on the opportunities and programs offered by Google. Arkansans can learn more about each program and access an application form to apply for the scholarships.

“Across the state, there are talented Arkansans who are ready to work for great companies. The new Grow with Google partnership will equip them with digital skills that will make them invaluable to companies growing in the Natural State,” said Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “We thank Google for working with our state to make the Grow with Google partnership possible. This is an important step for taking our workforce to the next level.”

Google’s programs are industry-recognized credentials that are helping build an AI-ready workforce for top employers. According to Google, over 70% of Google Career Certificate Program graduates have reported a positive career outcome – for example, a new job, promotion, or raise – within six months of completing the program. With no experience necessary, Arkansans can complete the certificate program in an average of three to six months.