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 will be among the first cohort to join Google AI for Education
Accelerator, OSU System leaders announced today.
The program is part of Google’s new three-year, $1 billion commitment to strengthen
American education and workforce competitiveness through artificial intelligence training,
research and tools.
“This partnership with Google is a shining example of what we can achieve when we
work together to put students first,” 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.
“We talk often about hands-on learning, and this is the real deal. 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.”
Dr. Hess said expanding access and opportunity is core to the land-grant mission.
In a press release issued last week by Google, the company emphasized how technology
creates opportunity. This new partnership will empower Oklahomans with critical AI
and job-ready skills, setting them up for success and creating a skilled talent pipeline
of workers in the state.
“Oklahoma State University is among the first universities in the country to join
the Google AI for Education Accelerator that launched on Aug. 6, 2025, giving Cowboys
— students, faculty and staff — no-cost access to Google Career Certificates and AI
training courses,” the release states.
As part of the broader $1 billion commitment to American education and competitiveness
that was also announced previously, all Oklahoma-based college students now have access
to free Google AI Pro plan for 12 months and free AI training and job search support.”
Kyle Wray, senior vice president for system affairs, said the partnership positions
OSU at the forefront of workforce development and innovation.
“As Oklahoma’s land-grant university, we remain steadfast in our mission to prepare
students for success in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world,” said
Kyle Wray, OSU senior vice president for system affairs. “Partnering with Google allows
us to combine OSU’s academic excellence and applied learning approach with Google’s
cutting-edge technology, training resources and industry-recognized credentials.
“This collaboration will empower our students and faculty to not only master the skills
needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy, but also to lead innovation, solve real-world
challenges and strengthen Oklahoma’s role in the national technology landscape.”
In addition to the AI-focused learning opportunities, OSU Polytech, through the Oklahoma
State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT), will directly support Google’s workforce
needs for skilled electrical labor in Oklahoma.
Working in partnership with MidAmerica Industrial Park and Northeast Tech, OSUIT is
delivering the Electrical and Electronics Technology Program, a workforce-aligned
training initiative designed to address the growing demand for electrical technicians
and engineers across the state, including those supporting Google’s advanced data
centers in Pryor and Stillwater.
The program provides:
Stackable credentials and microcredentials in industrial electrical systems, electric
motor controls, PLC fundamentals and instrumentation applications.
Hands-on training in modern labs equipped to industry standards.
Career pathways for both new students and experienced professionals seeking to upskill.
This collaboration aligns with Google’s investment in the Electrical Training Alliance
(etA) to expand Oklahoma’s pipeline of electricians by 135% by 2030, ensuring that
the company — and the state — have the technical talent to build and maintain next-generation
AI and cloud infrastructure.
“For nearly 80 years, OSU has delivered Polytech programs that provide hands-on education
for high-demand careers,” Wray said. “Today, the need for skilled professionals in
fields like electrical systems and emerging technologies is greater than ever. OSU
Polytech plays a critical role in creating clear, accelerated career pathways that
allow students to gain real-world experience, earn industry-recognized credentials
and enter the workforce ready to make an immediate impact. This approach not only
meets the urgent needs of employers, but also strengthens Oklahoma’s economic future.”