Odyssea & SolidarityNow empower European workers with AI skills with the support of the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund
The project aims to reach 300 individuals, through upskilling for the digital age
Odyssea and SolidarityNow are proud to announce that they have been selected by the Centre for Public Impact to receive funding from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe, and training to equip underserved workers with the AI knowledge and tools they need for long-term professional success. Through the Centre for Public Impact’s program, Odyssea and SolidarityNow will receive support to deliver impactful, localised AI training to vulnerable Greeks and people of migrant/refugee background.
Both organizations support vulnerable members of Greek society, including Greek citizens and migrants/refugees that are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Through their regular programming, Odyssea and SolidarityNow offer employability support, empowering beneficiaries to (re)enter the job market through counselling, support with administrative procedures, and jobs matching services made possible through a wide pool of employers. This project, funded by CPI as part of the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund, will offer AI training in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki to enable the two organizations’ beneficiaries to develop their digital skill sets, gaining a competitive advantage in the labour market; interpretation and child care during training will be provided, ensuring that all beneficiaries are able to actively engage in the course. The project aims to support at least 300 individuals, ultimately giving them access to better job opportunities.
AI is revolutionizing the job market, and the digital skills gap threatens to leave vulnerable populations behind. This collaboration empowers our students with the skills to navigate this new reality. We’re turning this challenge into an opportunity for them to thrive in the AI-powered future.
We are committed to enabling our beneficiaries to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the labour market. Through this project, we hope to take a small step towards bridging the digital skills gap that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of society.
With support from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe, the Centre for Public Impact is offering a comprehensive package of support, including bespoke AI training developed by Google and external partners, tailored support, and a total of €15 million in funding. Odyssea and SolidarityNow are among a number of organizations selected to participate in this initiative to empower vulnerable communities, close the AI skills gap, and ensure everyone can benefit from AI’s potential.
“AI can help people across industries get more done, build deeper knowledge, and focus on the things that matter most to them, but it’s crucial that no one is left behind,” said Matt Brittin, President of Google EMEA. “The inspiring organizations receiving support from the AI Opportunity Fund for Europe will help 20,000 people from underserved communities across 24 different countries receive the support they need to take advantage of AI’s potential in new and innovative ways.”
“At the Centre for Public Impact, we’re committed to empowering underserved communities with the AI skills and tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy,” said Helen Stevenson, Senior Manager at the Centre for Public Impact and AI Opportunity Fund Lead. “With support from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund, we’re delighted to be working with forward-thinking organizations like Odyssea and SolidarityNow to close digital skills gaps and unlock opportunities for all. Together, we’re building a more inclusive and resilient future.”
Visit the program website to find out more about the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe and the CPI website to explore all the organizations that have been selected.