Wilkes University announced today that it has joined the Google AI for Education Accelerator program to offer career-focused resources for students. The program, a national initiative to support AI skill building, includes access to valuable training resources and tools that can be used for research, classroom projects, professional development and more.
“At a time of needed competitive differentiation, joining the Google AI for Education Accelerator program is a significant value-add to the College of Business and Engineering’s programs. This is especially evident when examining the value of our curriculum with our AACSB business accreditation and ABET engineering accreditations,” says Abel Adekola, dean of the College of Business and Engineering. “These career-focused opportunities will make our students’ degrees – and the skills they earn – more marketable in the current global competitive environment.”
All Wilkes students will receive free access to Google resources as part of the partnership, including:
- Google Career Certificates in cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and ecommerce, IT support, project management and UX design
- Courseware that focuses on in-demand AI skills, like Prompting Essentials
- Premium features within Google AI-powered assistants Gemini and Notebook LM
Woojun Lee, associate dean and director of graduate programs in the College of Business and Engineering, notes that faculty can also use these tools by incorporating AI into coursework, projects or research initiatives, ensuring students can apply these skills in academic or professional settings.
“Both employers and advisory board members [to the College of Business and Engineering] have emphasized the need for AI education,” says Lee, noting that Wilkes is rising to the occasion through the new partnership and by launching new academic programs, such as the certificate in business analytics and AI. “Employers seek graduates who not only possess technical proficiency with AI tools but also demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
According to a 2024 Graduate Employability Survey by Cengage Group, 69% of college graduates say they need more training on how to work alongside technologies in their current roles. Through the Google AI for Education Accelerator, students will be able to gain hands-on experience using the same tools that are driving industry change before entering the workforce. “They will gain foundational AI skills, techniques for effective prompting and experience with responsible AI use,” says Lee.
Google AI for Education Accelerator is part of Google’s broader $1 billion investment in supporting education and workforce readiness in the U.S. with over 100 institutions joining its inaugural cohort. “This partnership positions Wilkes University as a leader in AI education and workforce readiness. It aligns with our commitment to innovation, student success, and preparing our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” says Lee.
To learn more about the program or to enroll, visit wilkes.edu/googlecareer