The University of Arkansas has joined the first cohort of the Google AI for Education Accelerator program, a new initiative that provides free access to Google Career Certificates and AI Essentials training for students, faculty and staff at more than 100 public universities.

"Fulfilling our land-grant mission means ensuring that the education and training we offer keep pace with technological innovation," said Provost Indrajeet Chaubey. "This partnership with Google allows our students, faculty and staff to gain knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world."

Through the accelerator, participants will gain free access to the AI Essentials course —which focuses on productive and responsible AI use — as well as Google Career Certificates in fields such as:

• Data analytics
• Cybersecurity
• Project management
• UX design
• Digital marketing and e-commerce
• IT support

"Partnering with Google greatly strengthens our ability to help Arkansans prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow," Chaubey said. "These certificates are designed by industry leaders, aligned with real employer needs and offered in an accessible format that allows you to upskill at your own pace."

The agreement also has the potential to give the campus community access to Google's latest AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, providing opportunities for hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technologies. The Provost's Office and University Information Technology Services are analyzing the potential availability of these tools.

The university is working with Google and its partners to make the Google Career Certificates and AI Essentials courses available as soon as possible. Details on access and availability will be posted at ai.uark.edu and shared through future campus announcements.

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About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.