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As part of a system-wide initiative, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has partnered with Google and the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) to provide Google Career Certificates to students as co-curricular offerings or embedded into academic programs. SIUE students, faculty and staff now have the opportunity to Grow with Google and earn no-cost training licenses in the form of Google Career Certificates and Specialization. SIUE Online Services and Educational Outreach will facilitate Google Certificate courses from now through December 31, 2027.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality, career-aligned learning that meets the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff and employers. These certificates provide flexible, industry-recognized pathways that help learners build in-demand skills while strengthening the regional workforce. By offering these opportunities across the SIU System, we are connecting education directly to economic growth and ensuring our graduates and our communities are prepared for the future,” said Gireesh Gupchup, PhD, FAPhA, Vice President for Academic Innovation, Planning and Partnerships, Southern Illinois University System.

Google Career Certificates are industry-recognized credentials that equip students with job-ready skills in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, business intelligence, people management, digital marketing and e-commerce, and user experience (UX).

Recently Google launched the Google AI Professional Certificate, directly based on research from Ipsos and Google that reveals while 70% of managers believe an AI-trained workforce is critical for success, only 5% of the workforce is considered "AI fluent.”

SIUE Online Services emphasizes the flexibility involved as part of the Grow with Google initiative. On-demand certificates require about 10 hours a week and can be completed in less than six months. No prior experience or degree is needed.

“Grow with Google at SIUE is a win for everyone—students, alumni, employees, employers, and our wider community. It’s practical, job-aligned learning people can use immediately, and it strengthens the talent pipeline that keeps our region moving forward,” said Tyann Cherry, SIUE Interim Director of Online Student Services and Educational Outreach.

As a member of the pilot program, SIUE, SIU Carbondale and SIU School of Medicine receive the following: 

• Targeted technical assistance and professional development
• Networking and collaboration opportunities with other participating systems, including access to virtual and in-person convenings about microcredentials, AI, and the future of work
• Access to resources and promising practices, including playbooks, case studies, and marketing collateral
• Opportunities for sharing best practices and driving sector-wide progress
• $15,000 stipend per system to be used flexibly to support action-oriented outcomes
• Up to 15 credit hours for qualified participating undergraduates 

In addition to enrolled students, faculty and staff, SIUE alumni and local employers have the opportunity to further their education and upskill areas of online proficiency by partnering with SIUE and participating at no cost in some cases. Partnership conversations are available by contacting outreach@siue.edu.

Select courses by visiting the Google Career Certificate information page. 

PHOTO: SIUE Cougar Statue on the Stratton Quad