Google.org Supports CodePath to Train 25,000 AI-Native Software Engineers in the Next Two Years

Google's $5 million grant will enable CodePath to build an AI-skilled talent pipeline and create $25 billion in additional cumulative earnings for impacted students

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CodePath, the organization dedicated to reprogramming higher education to create the most diverse generation of engineers, CTOs, and founders, announced today Google would be contributing $5 million toward its efforts to provide AI-focused educational opportunities for an additional 25,000 college computer science students around the country. The new grant is part of Google's $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, which aims to help one million Americans access AI training in their local communities.

"Generative AI has the potential to be transformative in college classrooms throughout the country, but the benefits aren't guaranteed. The academic community and students need support to understand how the technology works, and how to use it both responsibly and effectively. These skills are becoming increasingly important for college computer science students and we recognize that in order to meet tomorrow's tech talent needs we have to reach students today. This program will do just that," said Maggie Johnson, Vice President, Google.org. "It's a hugely exciting time in computing education. I'm particularly excited about the potential for Generative AI to create individualized learning experiences, especially for the most underserved students, but we need to work together to ensure that AI reaches those who need it most, leaving no community behind."

"In just seven years, CodePath has trained more than 20,000 students, and now with this support from Google.org, we will accelerate our ability to scale and add another 25,000 in just two years," said CodePath CEO and Co-founder Michael Ellison. "We are constantly hearing from universities that they need help to meet the growing demands from computer science students who want to leave school at an industry-ready level and companies who need to hire graduates prepared for the future of AI native software engineering. Working together with Google, we will expand that talent pipeline and ensure that underserved student communities are given access to critically important resources that will enable them to secure the most competitive technical roles."

Funding from Google.org will allow CodePath to integrate AI across all of its curriculum and student support services. From coaching students on how to use AI in debugging workflows to using AI to simulate code reviews, CodePath is leveraging technology to personalize learning at scale and improve proficiency.

In addition to the grant, CodePath was accepted into Google.org's first generative AI accelerator. As part of the program, CodePath prototyped and launched a career coaching bot for students that provides immediate and personalized career support. CodePath also plans to roll out various AI-driven solutions including front-line class support, technical tutoring, and personalized course and program recommendations.

Overall, CodePath alumni see an 80% increase in successful job or internship placement, and Black, Latino/a, and Indigenous alumni see a 97% increase in successful job or internship placement. The average salary after graduation is $92,000.

As AI rapidly transforms software engineering, CodePath believes emerging engineers will need to learn how to leverage AI for learning and productivity as part of their everyday work. There is an urgency to help universities evolve to catch up to the pace of software engineering and the roles in industry.

About Google.org
Google.org, Google's philanthropy, supports nonprofits that address humanitarian issues worldwide and apply scalable, data-driven innovation to solving the world's biggest challenges. We accelerate their progress by connecting them with a unique blend of support that includes funding, products, and technical expertise from Google volunteers. We engage with these believers-turned-doers who make a significant impact on the communities they represent, and whose work has the potential to produce meaningful change. We want a world that works for everyone—and we believe technology and innovation can move the needle in four key areas: education, economic opportunity, inclusion and crisis response.

About CodePath 
CodePath is reprogramming higher education to create the most diverse generation of engineers, CTOs, and founders. We deliver industry-vetted courses and career support centered on the needs of Black, Latino/a, Indigenous, and low-income students. Our students train with senior engineers, intern at top companies, and rise together to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.

With over 20,000 students and alumni from 600 colleges now working at 2,000 companies, we are reshaping the tech workforce and the industries of the future. CodePath is supported by Amazon, Andreessen Horowitz, Ballmer Group, The Studio @ Blue Meridian, Comcast, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Knight Foundation, Meta, New Profit Foundation, and Salesforce, among others. In 2024, CodePath was recognized as one of the Most Innovative Companies in Education by Fast Company. To learn more, visit www.codepath.org.

Contact:
Loretta Stevens, [email protected]

SOURCE CodePath