Lehigh University has joined the inaugural Google AI for Education Accelerator program, a national initiative preparing students for an AI-driven future. Through this partnership, Google will provide all students with free access to Google’s most advanced AI tools, specialized training programs, and career certificates aimed at building the skills needed in an evolving workforce.
Greg Reihman, vice provost for Library and Technology Services, spearheaded the partnership for the University. “By joining this first cohort, Lehigh becomes part of a group of forward-thinking institutions embracing artificial intelligence as a catalyst for innovation in teaching, learning, and research,” he said. “This participation underscores the University’s strategic commitment to AI adoption and supports the broader integration of Google Gemini AI tools across campus.”
Expanding Access to AI Tools and Training
As a member of the Accelerator, Lehigh students will gain no-cost access to valuable career and AI training from Google and have the opportunity to access high-level AI tools such as Gemini Pro, Google's AI-powered assistants for education, and other Google-developed technologies that help users create, test, and explore new ideas across disciplines. These platforms will be available for academic projects, research initiatives, and professional development, enabling students to build hands-on experience with the same tools transforming industries worldwide.
In addition, students who sign up for the program will have access to a broader set of Google-provided training resources and career certificates, also offered free of charge. These include Google Career Certificates in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, business intelligence, along with AI-focused short courses and workshops designed to help learners upskill quickly.
“This is a transformative moment for higher education,” said Nathan Urban, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “In a world increasingly shaped by new forms of AI, we are committed to equipping our students with not just skills, but a deep understanding and mastery of these transformative tools, which can only be gained through direct experience with them. Our partnership with Google amplifies the resources and learning experiences we can offer, ensuring our AI-ready graduates are poised to lead and innovate as Future Makers."
Lehigh’s role in the Accelerator extends beyond technical training. The program will enhance other work happening across the university to integrate AI literacy across disciplines, helping students in fields from engineering and business to the arts and humanities apply AI in meaningful ways.
A Strategic Fit with Lehigh’s Vision
The Accelerator builds on Lehigh’s commitment to innovation in technology-enhanced education and its Gemini-first AI strategy, which has advanced ways to responsibly integrate generative AI into academic and administrative practices.
“Lehigh has been building a university-wide ecosystem to support AI literacy, experimentation, and practical applications for students, faculty, and staff,” said Reihman.
The inaugural AI@Lehigh Summit in January drew more than 150 faculty and staff to explore effective and ethical uses of generative AI. Over the last two years, Library and Technology Services has expanded AI seminars and training and launched ai.lehigh.edu as a central resource for the Lehigh community.
Through Future Makers Strategy Grants, Lehigh has developed AI in the Preserve, a digital hub for classroom ideas and technical guidance, and supported projects across campus such as Admissions’ use of AI to reach more students and streamline processes. During the annual CITL Symposium on Teaching and Learning, faculty demonstrated AI integration in their courses, while student-led panels showcased how undergraduates are using AI in their academic work.
This semester, the Office of Educational Innovation and Assessment and CITL have partnered to create a new community of practice on Strategic Methods in AI-Responsive Teaching (SMART) for faculty and staff. The offices are also partnering with a cohort of faculty who are creating course-specific AI tutors.
Dom Packer, vice provost for Educational Innovation and Assessment notes that “By joining the Google AI for Education Accelerator, Lehigh is extending its leadership in educational innovation and creating fresh pathways for students to work with AI, enrich their learning, and advance their careers.”
A National Commitment to AI Education
The Google AI for Education Accelerator represents part of Google’s broader $1 billion commitment to support higher education and workforce readiness in the United States. Institutions selected for the first cohort gain early access to Google’s most advanced educational resources and play a leadership role in shaping how AI can be responsibly integrated into higher education.
“For Lehigh, this means not only providing students with practical skills, but also contributing to the national conversation about the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI,” said Reihman. “By aligning with Google and other institutions in the inaugural cohort, Lehigh is positioning itself as a national leader in AI expertise and workforce preparation. This collaboration supports the university’s mission to equip its community with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
More details on Lehigh’s participation and opportunities for students, faculty, and staff will be shared in the weeks ahead. Students can start using the tools available through the Google Accelerator Program now. Get details and access instructions here.
About the Google AI for Education Accelerator
The Google AI for Education Accelerator is a national program launched in August, 2025 to help colleges and universities prepare students, faculty, and staff for an AI-driven economy. Participating institutions gain access to advanced Google AI tools, training modules, and career certificates, while also contributing to best practices in responsible AI adoption across higher education.