Google Offers Free AI & Tech Job Training to 66,000 University of Michigan Students

In a new partnership aimed at preparing students for the evolving job market, Google and the University of Michigan are offering free access to AI and digital skills training to more than 66,000 students across all U-M campuses.

Through Michigan Online, students can enroll at no cost in Google Career Certificates and a set of foundational AI training courses—designed to build real-world skills in emerging technologies. These resources are part of a growing push to integrate job-ready skills into higher education.

Addressing the AI Skills Gap

According to recent research, nearly 70% of college graduates feel they need more training to work effectively with new technologies. At the same time, many employers say they expect job candidates to have a foundational understanding of generative AI tools.

This partnership aims to close that gap by providing students with direct access to:

Free Google Career Certificates in high-demand fields, including:

• Cybersecurity

• Data analytics

• UX design

• Digital marketing and e-commerce

• IT support

• Project management

• AI Essentials and Prompting Essentials, Google’s foundational courses on AI tools, responsible use, and best practices for the workplace

Google has maintained a presence in Michigan for nearly two decades, with an office in Ann Arbor, and says the collaboration reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting talent in the region.

These trainings will complement AI tools already available to U-M students and faculty, including Gemini and NotebookLM.

Building on Existing Work with U-M Faculty

This isn’t the first time Google and the University of Michigan have worked together on digital learning initiatives. The new program builds on a previous collaboration with the Center for Academic Innovation, which produced a specialized course series titled “Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R.”

Developed by U-M faculty, the course was designed to complement Google’s Data Analytics Certificate by teaching applied skills relevant to public sector careers.

Real-World Hiring Opportunities

Students who complete Google Career Certificates will gain access to a consortium of over 150 national employers—including major Michigan-based companies such as Ford, Rocket Companies, and Google itself. These organizations are actively seeking candidates with the skills taught in the certificate programs.

To date, more than 1 million learners globally have completed a Google Career Certificate, and over 70% report a positive career outcome—such as a new job, promotion, or raise—within six months of finishing the program.

University of Michigan students can get started by visiting Michigan Online and logging in with their university credentials.

For more information on how to offer Google Career Certificates at your institution, visit grow.google/edu.

Available to Everyone

While University of Michigan students can access these programs for free, Google Career Certificates and foundational AI training courses are available to anyone. Offered through platforms like Coursera, the certificates cost $49 per month after a 7-day free trial and are fully self-paced. At approximately 10 hours of study per week, many learners complete a certificate in three to six months.

These programs are designed to help job seekers, career changers, and lifelong learners build practical, in-demand skills—whether you're enrolled in school or not.

What This Means

As AI reshapes industries from marketing to public service, partnerships like this one reflect a growing recognition that AI fluency is becoming a core job skill—not just a niche technical specialty. While some universities have begun offering courses in generative AI and related technologies, broad, structured access to hands-on training is still far from standard across higher education.

By embedding Google’s Career Certificates and AI courses directly into the student experience, the University of Michigan is helping close the gap between academic learning and workplace demands. And because these programs are also available to the public, they offer a flexible, scalable way for individuals at any stage of their career to prepare for an AI-driven economy.

As more institutions explore how to responsibly and effectively teach AI, programs like this could serve as a model—blending technical skills, ethical grounding, and accessibility into a practical framework for the future of work.

In a world where AI is reshaping every field, giving students and workers the tools to adapt isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a responsibility.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.