Oklahoma State University (OSU) is advancing its technology initiatives by becoming one of the first universities to join the Google AI for Education Accelerator. This program is part of Google's broader $1 billion investment to improve education and workforce development in the U.S. Through this initiative, OSU students, faculty, and staff will receive free access to Google Career Certificates and AI training courses, as recently announced by OSU System leadership.
In a press release from OSU, the university highlighted the benefits this partnership will bring, from equipping students with hands-on AI tools to strengthening the workforce in Oklahoma. OSU President Jim Hess said, "By bringing artificial intelligence and cloud computing tools directly into the hands of our students, we’re not just preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow — we’re preparing them to lead." Kyle Wray, OSU's senior vice president for system affairs, highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship between Google's advanced technology and OSU's academic strengths, aimed at developing a skilled talent pipeline for the state.
OSU's involvement in the Google AI for Education Accelerator, officially kicked off on August 6, provides students with free access to the Google AI Pro plan for 12 months alongside AI training and job search support. This move aims to expand access and opportunity, a core tenet of the land-grant mission of the university.
This collaboration between OSU and Google is also expected to address Oklahoma's technical manpower by directly supporting electrical labor needs. This comes into play at OSU Polytech through the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT), which will offer a workforce-aligned Electrical and Electronics Technology Program. The initiative is designed to meet the state's booming requirement for electrical technicians and engineers. This effort supports Google’s advanced data centers in locations like Pryor and Stillwater, Jim Hess told OSU, "These are cutting-edge tools being used by global innovators, and now our students — whether they’re in Stillwater, Tulsa, Okmulgee or beyond — will be learning with them."
On a related note, OSU-Tulsa is offering support to students endeavoring to complete Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate, a valuable credential for those seeking employment with Google. Career Services and the Computer Science department at OSU-Tulsa are extending their assistance to students through weekly support sessions, which include progress check-ins and career advice.
Conclusively, by aligning educational efforts with in-demand career pathways, OSU Polytech seeks to bolster Oklahoma’s economic landscape by producing professionals with real-world experience and industry-recognized credentials. The benefits of this initiative signal a major leap in local tech education, addressing Oklahoma’s need for tech-skill fluency in the midst of a rapidly evolving marketplace.
