Google and OKC Thunder Partner to Bring $5 Million AI Education Initiative to Oklahoma
Oklahoma City residents will have new opportunities to learn artificial intelligence skills through a major partnership announced this week between tech giant Google and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On November 7, Google unveiled a $5 million commitment to fund AI training programs, educational curriculum, and workforce development initiatives across the state. The announcement came under an AI Business Summit that brought together more than 150 professionals from business, education, healthcare, and technology sectors.
What This Means for Oklahomans
The partnership aims to prepare Oklahoma residents of all ages for an evolving workforce by providing AI sports programming for students and training for educators. According to Will Syring, Thunder Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, the collaboration creates an “AI-ready ecosystem” designed to empower learners, educators, and entrepreneurs throughout the state.
U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice, who represents Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, emphasized the economic importance of the initiative: “To maintain our economic strength, we must equip our workforce with the skills of tomorrow. This collaboration between Google and the Thunder is a powerful commitment to that goal.”
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma’s junior senator who has served since 2023, added: “AI is the next great opportunity for Oklahoma’s economy. We are grateful to Google and the Oklahoma City Thunder for their commitment to Oklahoma students and businesses.”
Where the Money Goes
The $5 million investment will support several key initiatives:
- New AI sports programming for Oklahoma students through the Thunder
- AI training for educators across the state
- Launch of a Master’s degree in AI at the Oklahoma State University through the university’s Foundation
- Workforce development programs with the Center for Employment Opportunities and Atlas School
- Digital badging program through Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance to help students earn verifiable credentials
Sam Schaeffer, CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities, highlighted the partnership’s inclusivity: “By integrating AI education into reentry programming, people returning home from incarceration have a real opportunity to thrive in the modern economy.”
Part of Larger Investment
This announcement builds on Google’s previous commitment in August 2025, when the company pledged $9 billion over two years for cloud and AI infrastructure in Oklahoma, including new data centers in Stillwater and expansions in Pryor.
For Oklahoma City residents interested in taking advantage of these new AI training opportunities, more information is expected to be released through the Thunder organization and participating educational institutions in the coming months.
