🐦 Youngkin's AI job factory

and why he's making Google pay for it

Author

Just Outside DC
July 18, 2025

Welcome to Just Outside DC — the only local newsletter that’s wanted dead or alive.

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THE BIG IDEA

Old Dominion bets big on AI with Youngkin’s AI Job Factory (and Google is paying for it)

While other states are still figuring out whether AI is friend or foe, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin just said "hold my sweet tea" and launched what might be the most ambitious AI workforce program in the country.

The TL;DR

Last week, Youngkin unveiled VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI — a new online "Career Launch Pad" that's basically a one-stop shop for Virginians to learn AI skills. The kicker? It's free, thanks to a partnership with Google's "Grow with Google" program.

Here's what they're offering:

  • Free AI fundamentals courses (Google AI Essentials)

  • Career certificates in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and data analytics

  • Bootcamps and degree programs through Virginia's colleges

  • Scholarships for everything above

Why This Actually Matters

Virginia isn't just throwing spaghetti at the wall here. The state is already punching above its weight in AI:

  • 31,000 AI job postings currently active in Virginia

  • Ranked as one of the top states for AI job listings nationally

  • Already has "thousands of Virginians" working in AI-related roles

The Numbers Game

Google's throwing some serious credibility behind this program:

  • 86% of graduates say AI Essentials courses improve their job productivity

  • 70% of Google Career Certificate graduates report positive career impacts (raises, new jobs, promotions) within six months

The Bigger Picture

This isn't just about training workers — it's about positioning Virginia as the AI capital of America. The state already has:

  • AI guidelines for K-12 through higher education (first in the nation)

  • Rigorous computer science standards

  • An AI in Higher Education Summit

The Bottom Line

While other states are still debating AI regulation, Virginia is training an AI army. Smart move? We'll find out when those 31,000 job postings start getting filled by homegrown talent instead of imports from Silicon Valley.

The program launches immediately at VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI. No catch, no fine print, just free AI training for anyone with a Virginia address.

What we're watching: Whether other states follow Virginia's lead or stick with their regulatory-first approach. Because in the AI race, the state that trains the most workers might just win the most jobs.

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