**Google News Initiative: New Collaboration with the University of Southern California to Focus on Data Literacy Skills**
**Los Angeles, CA – October 18, 2023** – The Google News Initiative (GNI) today announced a new collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC) to enhance data literacy skills among journalism students and professionals. The collaboration aims to equip journalists with the necessary skills to navigate the increasingly data-driven media landscape.
**Building upon a shared commitment to data-driven journalism**
This collaboration builds upon GNI’s ongoing efforts to support journalism education and innovation. Over the past several years, GNI has launched numerous initiatives to enhance the skills of journalists worldwide, including the GNI Innovation Challenge, the Journalism Emergency Relief Fund, and the Google News Lab. USC has also been a pioneer in data journalism education, offering courses and programs that train students in data analysis, visualization, and storytelling.
**Equipping journalists with essential data literacy skills**
The new collaboration between GNI and USC will focus on developing and delivering educational resources, workshops, and training programs that will equip journalists with essential data literacy skills. These skills include:
* **Data collection and analysis**
* **Data visualization**
* **Storytelling with data**
* **Ethical considerations in data journalism**
**A tailored curriculum for the digital age**
The collaboration will also involve the development of a tailored curriculum for USC’s journalism students, ensuring that they graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern media landscape. The curriculum will cover topics such as:
* **Introduction to data journalism**
* **Data analysis for journalists**
* **Data visualization for storytelling**
* **Case studies in data-driven journalism**
**Mentorship and networking opportunities**
In addition to educational resources and training, the collaboration will also provide mentorship and networking opportunities for USC students. GNI will connect students with experienced data journalists and industry professionals, offering guidance and support as they develop their skills.
**A commitment to empowering the next generation of journalists**
The collaboration between GNI and USC reflects a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of journalists with the skills they need to thrive in the evolving media landscape. By equipping journalists with data literacy skills, we can ensure that they are able to effectively report on complex issues, hold power to account, and inform the public.
**Quotes**
* **Matt Cooke, Director of the Google News Initiative:** .
