Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is helping Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) upgrade outdated infrastructure, including HVAC systems, at several schools near its newly established facility in Memphis. The work is being done through in-kind donations and is part of a broader push by Musk-linked organizations to support education and youth services in Memphis.According to a representative from xAI, as reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the company has already completed some HVAC-related repairs at multiple schools, including getting fans operational and opening ductwork in April and May. These efforts are focused on campuses near xAI’s first supercomputer data center in the city.Inspections at schools near xAI’s Memphis facilityxAI has inspected facilities at John P Freeman Optional School, Fairley High School, and Westwood High School. According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the company evaluated HVAC and plumbing systems, athletic fields, and gyms. The inspections were conducted alongside principals and school administrators, resulting in what the xAI representative described as a “large list” of items needing attention.MSCS is facing over $1 billion in deferred maintenance, much of it linked to aging infrastructure across its buildings. xAI’s representative noted that the company contracted a local firm to donate “time and material labor” for the repairs. As per MSCS policy, in-kind donations under $499 are accepted by principals, while those between $500 and $14,999 require the superintendent’s approval, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.STEM workshops and tech donations in the worksIn addition to infrastructure support, xAI is planning to launch STEM workshops for local students and donate equipment to technical training programs. The company is also supporting job fairs aimed at expanding employment opportunities in the area.“These initiatives reflect xAI’s commitment to fostering education and economic growth in Memphis,” the company stated, as reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal. The company has also cleaned up over 100 tons of garbage and debris from roadways within a five-mile radius of its data center.Musk Foundation steps in to support after-school programsSeparately, the Musk Foundation, a private charitable organization founded by Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal Musk, donated $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, this donation allows two high school club sites—Booker T. Washington High School and Westwood High School—to reopen after being closed in May due to funding shortfalls.The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis had received $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in 2021. These federal funds were time-limited and had to be obligated by the end of 2024. The donation will cover operational costs such as salaries, transportation, and program supplies for nearly 1,000 students.Elon Musk said in a statement that “kids are the future of humanity” and emphasized the need to give them “every chance to shoot for the stars,” as quoted by the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Michael Garriga, Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, said the organization was “very grateful” for the donation and that it would help youth in the community develop skills for success.Additional local support for Memphis youthIn addition to the Musk Foundation’s contribution, Shelby County Government donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in early June, as reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
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