Monday, August 18, 2025
Media Contact:
Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 |
mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu
Program provides no-cost Google Career Certificates, AI training and tools to all OSU students, faculty and staff
Oklahoma State University (OSU) has announced that it will be among the first institutions to join the Google AI for Education Accelerator. This significant collaboration, revealed by OSU System leaders, marks an exciting new chapter in educational access and career preparedness.
In a groundbreaking move, this initiative is part of Google’s ambitious three-year, $1 billion investment aimed at strengthening American education through artificial intelligence (AI) training and research. The integration of such resources underscores a commitment to empower students and faculty alike.
OSU President Jim Hess expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a shining example of what can be achieved when we prioritize students.” By equipping students with cutting-edge AI and cloud computing tools, OSU aims not just to prepare them for future job markets but to position them as leaders in their respective fields.
Dr. Hess further emphasized the importance of hands-on learning. “These are not just theoretical tools; they are the same technologies utilized by global innovators today. Our students—whether they are in Stillwater, Tulsa, Okmulgee, or beyond—will now have the chance to learn with state-of-the-art applications,” he said.
The commitment to expanding access and opportunity remains central to OSU’s land-grant mission. Google’s recent press release highlights how technology can bridge gaps and create opportunities. This partnership is anticipated to empower Oklahomans with essential AI and job-ready skills, thus fostering a skilled workforce across the state.
As one of the first universities in the nation to join the Google AI for Education Accelerator, OSU will offer no-cost access to Google Career Certificates and AI training courses for all students, faculty, and staff. This initiative aims to broaden educational prospects, particularly for those preparing to enter a rapidly changing job landscape.
In addition to providing training, all Oklahoma-based college students will also gain free access to Google’s AI Pro plan for twelve months, which includes AI training and job search support. This initiative aims to enhance employability and provide critical resources for students on their career paths.
Kyle Wray, the senior vice president for system affairs at OSU, noted that this partnership positions the university at the forefront of workforce development and innovation. He remarked, “As Oklahoma’s land-grant institution, we are committed to equipping students with the skills required to navigate an increasingly complex world.”
By combining OSU’s strong academic foundation with Google’s cutting-edge technology and training resources, the collaboration seeks to prepare students and faculty to thrive in an AI-driven economy and tackle real-world challenges, thereby enhancing Oklahoma’s technology landscape.
Beyond AI-centric educational opportunities, OSU Polytech, through the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT), plans to actively address Google’s skilled labor needs in Oklahoma. By working alongside MidAmerica Industrial Park and Northeast Tech, OSUIT is set to deliver a specialized Electrical and Electronics Technology Program aimed at meeting the rising demand for electrical technicians and engineers.
This initiative is designed to prepare the workforce, especially for Google’s advanced data centers located in Pryor and Stillwater. The program will deliver a comprehensive array of educational offerings, including stackable credentials in areas like industrial electrical systems, electric motor controls, and PLC fundamentals.
Through modern training labs equipped to industry standards, the program aims to provide participants with hands-on experience and career pathways suitable for both new students and seasoned professionals looking to upskill. This comprehensive approach reinforces OSU’s mission to create immediate career impacts for its graduates.
In addition to enhancing job readiness, this collaboration aligns with Google’s investment in the Electrical Training Alliance (etA). The goal is to increase Oklahoma’s pipeline of electricians by 135% by 2030, thereby ensuring access to the skilled labor necessary for next-generation AI and cloud infrastructures.
For nearly eight decades, OSU has been dedicated to delivering Polytech programs that equip students with essential skills for high-demand careers. “Today, the need for skilled professionals in sectors like electrical systems and emerging technologies is greater than ever,” Wray concluded. “OSU Polytech’s role is critical in creating clear career pathways that not only meet the urgent demands of employers but also contribute to fostering Oklahoma’s economic resilience.”
