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WNC Business

Google Builds Upon its Support of Local Community Organizations

Dec 19, 2024 12:39PM ● By WNC Business
LENOIR – Since breaking ground on its Caldwell County data center in 2006, Google has provided funding in support of local organizations and nonprofits working within areas like STEM education, efforts to bridge the digital divide, sustainability, efforts to strengthen the startup or small business ecosystem, and more. In addition to its local community support, the Google Data Center represents a $1.2 billion investment in Caldwell County and contributes more than $300 million annually to the North Carolina economy, according to a new Deloitte study. 

“Contributing to the Lenoir and Caldwell County community is an investment in our future,” said Google Public Affairs Manager Clay Allsop. “By supporting STEM education, sustainability and technology access, we’re ensuring that the next generation is equipped to solve the challenges of tomorrow. We’re proud to continue partnering with local schools and nonprofits to build a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable community for all.”

Through its Google Data Center Community Impact Program, long-term relationships with local organizations, schools, and businesses have been fostered, creating opportunities for innovation, skill development, and growth. The strategic investments have made a positive contribution to the Caldwell County community and economy, and play a critical role in ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement are shared equitably, reaching those within the community that are often underserved.

STEM West, which supports the alignment of educational and occupational objectives throughout the western North Carolina regional workforce, is a recipient of Community Impact Program funding from Google for its first-ever STEM Trek program. STEM West CEO Dr. Carol Moore indicates that funding from Google is instrumental in opening doors for thousands of 10th graders from across the region to get hands-on science and technology training. 

“We believe this inaugural event will be successful in introducing our community to our regional STEM businesses and expanding the knowledge of the various careers available in this rural area,” said Moore. “Thank you Google for supporting our youth and region.”

The 2024 Google Data Center Community Impact Program provided a total of nearly $200,000 to eight different organizations. The recipients and how funding will support the respective organizations are listed below.

James C Harper School of Performing Arts: To help the school better serve its current students and reach additional community members through outreach, marketing efforts and scholarship opportunities. 

STEM West: To contribute to STEM West’s STEM Trek 2025, building upon the 2-day event that offers students a hands-on look at the STEM careers in the region. Google’s contributions help the event’s expansion to include a job fair that assists with interviews and application completions.  
 
Catawba Science Center: To aid the Catawba Science Center – the largest science center in Western North Carolina with over 110,000 annual visitors – in constructing and presenting activities connected to its Flutterby Butterfly Habitat exhibit during its STEM-focused science camps. 
 
Camp Enterprise / CCC&TI: To support the camp’s mission of teaching students Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Business Ethics, providing five students with scholarship money to Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute.
 
Caldwell County Schools - William Lenoir Middle School: To assist with transforming the school’s media center into a welcoming environment with enhanced activities for students. 

Caldwell County Smart Start: In support of a Smart Start toolkit for children, including those in underserved and economically disadvantaged areas, that includes supplies to be distributed during community events through 2024-2025, 
 
American Whitewater: To fund a real-time steam gauge that measures and reports water level at Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek. This creates healthy outdoor recreation opportunities among local residents. 
 
Caldwell Arts Council: To assist the arts council in continuing to provide programs, most free of charge, to the community and students. Programs include art exhibits and shows and music and art classes for veterans.

Source: Google Data Center