Georgia State University and Google Launch $6M AI Innovation Lab to Expand Access to CS and AI Education
November 11, 2025 - Atlanta, GA
Georgia State University has secured $6 million from Google to establish The AI Innovation Lab, an after-school program built to bring AI and computer science learning to more students in metro Atlanta. The lab will recruit high school students from local public schools and run a daily curriculum focused on AI/ML literacy, problem-solving, design-thinking and mentorship.
The partnership centers on accessibility, practical skill-building and social mobility. It also gives Georgia State undergraduates and graduate students hands-on teaching experience, with Google volunteers supporting instruction in the lab.
What this means for educators
- Stronger K-12 to college pipeline: High school students engage daily with AI/ML concepts, building confidence and readiness for CS pathways.
- Real-world learning: Design-thinking, applied problem-solving and mentorship anchor the curriculum.
- Workforce relevance: Proximity to Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits positions students for internships and early career exposure.
- Teacher preparation: Georgia State students gain instructional design and CS teaching experience they can bring to classrooms across Georgia.
How the AI Innovation Lab will operate
- Participants: High school students from public schools across metro Atlanta.
- Instruction: Georgia State undergraduate and graduate students serve as instructors and mentors.
- Industry support: Google volunteers enhance learning and project work.
- Focus areas: AI/ML literacy, problem-solving frameworks, design-thinking and mentorship.
Why it matters now
Georgia State's downtown Atlanta location and R1 research status make the program scalable and connected. With a strong coalition of corporate, nonprofit and education partners nearby, the lab is positioned to create lasting academic and economic impact for Georgia's students.
The goal is straightforward: increase college readiness, improve career outcomes and strengthen the state's AI and tech workforce for years ahead.
What leaders are saying
M. Brian Blake, President, Georgia State University: "This collaboration with Google reflects what Georgia State does best - using innovation to expand opportunity. Together, we're preparing the next generation of thinkers and leaders who will shape Georgia's - and our nation's - future in the digital economy."
L. Jared Abramson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Georgia State: "At Georgia State, we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. This collaboration with Google allows us to change that - to connect students in Atlanta's public schools to the world of technology while preparing our own students to teach and lead in that space. We're building pathways into the innovation economy that will have an impact far beyond our campus."
Monique Picou, Chief Product Supply Officer, Google Cloud: "Google has proudly called Georgia home for more than two decades with an office in Atlanta and a data center in Douglas County. We are committed to helping students and educators across the state access essential AI and digital skills training to succeed in the workforce and advance their economic opportunities."
Context and momentum
Google's long-standing presence in Georgia adds weight to this collaboration, including its Atlanta office and Douglas County data center. Learn more about the data center here: Google Douglas County Data Center.
Georgia State's national reputation for innovation and student success continues to grow, with a consistent track record of driving access and completion at scale.
For educators: quick ways to plug in
- Explore cross-institution partnerships that pair teacher prep programs with K-12 CS initiatives.
- Integrate AI literacy modules into after-school or advisory periods to build momentum before formal courses launch.
- Use mentorship as a force multiplier - pair near-peer mentors with high school students to boost engagement and completion.
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Media Contact: Public Relations and Marketing Communications - media@gsu.edu
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