Google injects $1 million into Central Ohio ecosystem to fuel STEM and workforce pipelines

Google is doubling down on its "Silicon Heartland" commitments, announcing this week a fresh infusion of over $1 million into Central Ohio nonprofits.

This capital is being deployed to accelerate the American innovation currently being built in Ohio, complementing the company's massive physical infrastructure with a direct investment in the region's human infrastructure—specifically targeting STEM education, workforce development, and community health.

Why it matters

Central Ohio is rapidly becoming a key node in the national tech ecosystem. To sustain that growth, the region needs a workforce ready for the digital economy—and corporate giants like Google are stepping in to help build it.

• By the numbers: Since 2006, Google has contributed over $14 million to Ohio organizations, with employees volunteering more than 13,000 hours.
• The footprint: This community push complements Google's massive physical presence, which now includes three operational data centers in Columbus, Lancaster, and New Albany.

Driving the news: Key investments

The more than $1 million allocation is split across several strategic initiatives designed to touch different parts of the community ecosystem.

1. The Talent Pipeline: TECH CORPS. Google is investing $50,000 into Columbus-based TECH CORPS to support early intervention in STEM education.

• The program: Middle school students at South-Western Career Academy are using tools like MakeCode Arcade to design and code their own versions of classic games like Pac-Man and Mario Kart.
• The goal: Moving students from "consumers" of tech to "creators," a critical psychological shift for future engineers.
• “When students have the opportunity to explore technology in meaningful ways—and interact with people from their community doing this work—it expands their vision for what’s possible,” said Lisa M. Chambers, TECH CORPS CEO.

2. The Workforce Engine: Columbus Promise. Google has renewed its financial support for Columbus Promise, a public-private partnership that provides tuition-free education at Columbus State Community College for Columbus City Schools graduates.

• Googler involvement: Beyond the check, Google employees will provide mentorship and experiential learning opportunities for Promise Scholars.
• The stakes: "The Columbus Promise is a partnership... to equip all our students to reach their potential so they can share in the prosperity of our growing region," said Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin.

3. Community Roots: Fairfield County. Recognizing its presence in Lancaster, Google is also funding the rehabilitation of Miller Park, a project led by the Lancaster Rotary Club to build an accessible playground and ballfield.

The bottom line

"We are focused on ensuring that our technological and economic growth is firmly underpinned by strong, shared principles," said Molly Kocour Boyle, Google’s Head of Midwest Data Center Public Affairs.

Additional Grant Recipients Include:

• BESA
• EPIC Youth
• Fairfield County Foundation
• Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
• Future Ready Five Teacher Trainings Sponsorship
• Junior Achievement of Central Ohio
• Leave a Mark Church
• Nationwide Children's
• New Albany Community Foundation
• New Albany Symphony Orchestra
• Reeb House
• See Brilliance
• Star House
• The Now Foundation
• United Way Lancaster 5k & Fun Run