Google announces $1 billion investment for data center expansion

On April 26, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) and Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer; Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet and Google, announced a $1 billion investment to expand Google’s Virginia data center campuses in 2024. This includes two Loudoun County sites and a newly opened Prince William County campus. The $1 billion investment brings Google’s total investment in the state to more than $4.2 billion to date. The company also announced two new AI workforce development initiatives—a $75 million Google.org AI Opportunity Fund and a new Google AI Essentials course—to help workers and learners in Virginia realize the economic benefits of new technologies. 

“Google’s ongoing investment in Virginia is a testament to our state’s skilled talent, robust infrastructure, and leadership in advancing the development and application of emerging technologies,” said Youngkin. “We are proud that Google is furthering its commitments to Virginia’s economic growth by investing an additional $1 billion in our Loudoun County and Prince William data center campuses, and by offering its new Google AI Essentials course to veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, workers and students throughout the Commonwealth.” 

“Google’s announcement today of a $1 billion investment in our Virginia data centers brings our total investments across the state to more than $4 billion,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer; Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet and Google. “In addition, our AI Essentials Course and $75 million Google.org AI Opportunity Fund will help provide access to the economic opportunities AI can offer. Together with our partners and community-led organizations, Google is committed to delivering targeted AI skilling and training so that Virginians, veterans, and millions of others can make the most of the opportunities of today and tomorrow.”

Google’s continued investment in technical infrastructure, including its Virginia data centers, plays an essential role in supporting the company’s AI innovations and growing Google Cloud business. Google’s data centers help power popular digital services — like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps — for people and organizations worldwide.

Through its new $75 million dollar AI Opportunity Fund, Google.org—the company’s philanthropy—will help over one million Americans learn essential AI skills by providing grants to best-in-class workforce development and education organizations. The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families is one of the fund’s first recipients. Since 2013, Google.org has supported IVMF in its work preparing transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses to bring their skills and experience to civilian careers. IVMF will offer Google’s new AI Essentials course and the Google Cybersecurity Certificate to their Onward to Opportunity (O2O) participants in Virginia and across the country. 

Google’s new AI Essentials course will teach people to use AI effectively in day-to-day work. In under 10 hours, people will get practical, hands-on experience using AI to help with work tasks through videos, readings, and interactive exercises. The skills learned can be applied to a variety of roles across industries.

After completing the course, people will earn a certificate from Google to share with their network. The course is $49 on Coursera, and will also be available at no cost in Virginia through select nonprofits including IVMF and Goodwill. Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning will also provide the course to working learners.

“The IVMF is proud to receive continued support from Google.org by not only offering cybersecurity training but also enhancing post-military service career preparation through the new Google AI Essentials course. Empowering transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans with access to advanced certifications and skills is crucial in shaping a resilient future, particularly in an increasingly digital workplace,” said Dr. Mike Haynie, Executive Director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. 

“Support from Google.org empowers the IVMF to ensure that veterans and military families can access and leverage crucial cyber and digital education and thus benefit from the revolutionary power of advanced technologies. The Commonwealth of Virginia and its deeply rooted connection to the military community and number of military-connected families is an ideal location to launch this initiative.”

Google’s commitment extends to environmental sustainability and accountability. With millions of dollars invested in Virginia’s clean energy programs, Google aims to transition its data centers to run strictly on carbon-free energy by 2030 — a significant promise for and substantial action toward an environmentally sustainable future. 

Learn more about Google in Virginia.