The University of Hawaiʻi recently announced a partnership with Google to provide free AI training courses to students and staff across its 10 campuses statewide. This initiative will open new doors to career advancement, particularly in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT support.
Through this collaboration, University of Hawaiʻi students gain free access to Google's Career Certificates program. This program boasts an employer consortium of over 150 companies, including Deloitte, Ford, Xerox, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, and Google itself. Graduates of the Google Career Certificates program will have opportunities for relevant positions within these companies. Statistics show that over 350,000 Americans have completed this certificate program, with over 70% securing new jobs, promotions, or raises within six months of graduation.
Furthermore, Google's AI Fundamentals course, completable in approximately five hours, covers foundational AI skills, prompting techniques, best practices, and responsible AI use. Participants gain hands-on AI experience through videos, reading materials, and interactive exercises. These skills are applicable across various industries and can enhance workplace efficiency.
University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel stated, "This is a significant opportunity to develop AI skills within our community, helping us stay ahead in a rapidly changing technological landscape." Hawaiʻi Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke added that the collaboration is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements but also about giving Hawaiʻi's young people a competitive edge in today's economy.
Lisa Gevelber, founder of Google's "Grow with Google" program, also noted Google's commitment to preparing Hawaiʻi's students for today's most in-demand jobs. Through the partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi, students will gain access to Google Career Certificates and the Google AI Fundamentals course, equipping them with skills for future career success.
Successful completion of the courses will result in a certificate for inclusion in professional portfolios and resumes. Interested students and staff can visit the University of Hawaiʻi and Google's AI Fundamentals course registration page and follow the instructions to enroll. Additionally, University of Hawaiʻi students now also have free access to Google's next-generation generative AI tool, Gemini, to aid their studies across various disciplines.
