Meta has announced the recipients of its 2026 Data Center Community Action Grants, continuing its commitment to supporting local communities near its data center operations. The program provides direct funding to schools, nonprofits, and community organizations that advance education, workforce development, and technological innovation. This year’s grants align with the White House AI Youth Education Pledge, focusing on expanding access to AI education and building a responsible, inclusive tech workforce. The funded projects span diverse communities and address key challenges in education, healthcare, agriculture, and engineering. In Northeast Louisiana, the Louisiana 4-H Foundation is using the grant to integrate drone technology and smart boards into its youth programs. The initiative enhances virtual training for students interested in agriculture and automated land management, preparing the next generation for a data-driven farming industry. Brittney Newsome, Parish Chair at the Louisiana State University AgCenter, highlighted how the funding bridges technology gaps and builds leadership and wellness skills in young people. In Ohio, the Perrysburg Schools Foundation will train educators in practical AI skills, creating a core group of AI-literate teachers who will mentor peers across the district. The project aims to equip over 4,000 students in the Bowling Green area with digital fluency and responsible AI knowledge. Superintendent Dr. Kadee Anstadt emphasized that the investment strengthens staff capacity now to ensure students are ready for a future shaped by artificial intelligence. In Texas, Healthier Texas is expanding access to preventive healthcare in Bell County through an AI-powered health coaching app. The bilingual tool offers personalized nutrition guidance and health tracking, helping rural residents overcome barriers to care. CEO Jamie Williams said the grant will reduce chronic disease risks and close life-expectancy gaps by ensuring equitable access to digital health resources. In North Carolina, Isothermal Community College is launching an Autonomous Technology and AI Hub at its Forest City campus. The facility offers hands-on experience in computer vision and autonomous systems, supported by GPU-accelerated workstations. In partnership with Rutherford Early College High School, the hub gives rural students direct access to robotics and AI technology, preparing them for high-demand careers in manufacturing, agriculture, and aerospace. Principal Jeremiah McCluney noted that the grant transforms local education and opens doors for students who might otherwise lack such opportunities. The Data Center Community Action Grants program is now active in 27 regions across 24 U.S. cities and three international locations, with seven new communities receiving funding for the first time. To date, Meta has supported 3,700 projects globally with over $94 million in direct funding. The full list of 2026 recipients is available online.