June 18, 2026
SIU offers access to Google AI Professional Certificate through Grow with Google
One of the hottest and most misunderstood technologies today is artificial intelligence (AI). But appropriate, creative, and thoughtful use of AI has the potential to propel those who learn to leverage its power forward in yet unimagined ways and with remarkable speed.
As part of a systemwide initiative, Southern Illinois University Carbondale in partnership with the National Association of Higher Education Systems and Google, is now coordinating career-aligned AI training at no cost to learners through its new Grow with Google initiative (GwG).
The GwG program offers several learning structures: a foundational course that takes about an hour to complete, followed by an AI specialization that builds on the fundamentals and then dives more deeply into AI (about four hours). The last component is the complete AI Professional Certificate program which incorporates the individual courses and guides learners through real-world applications of AI in the workplace (about 10 hours).
Designed for broad accessibility, the certificate requires no prior experience. Learners engage in practical exercises and activities that mirror workplace tasks, using tools such as Gemini and Google Workspace to develop solutions, generate content, and streamline daily responsibilities.
Participants learn to use AI as a creative and analytical partner, supporting activities such as brainstorming ideas, synthesizing research, building presentations, and analyzing data. The program also emphasizes responsible AI practices, ensuring learners understand how to apply these tools effectively and ethically.
The GwG initiative is designed to serve multiple audiences, including students looking to strengthen their resumes, faculty integrating workforce-relevant content into courses, staff pursuing professional development, community organizations and individuals wanting to gain marketable skills, and employers seeking to upskill their workforces. This training helps individuals stay competitive as AI continues to reshape roles and responsibilities across industries.
Individuals can request access to the Google AI Professional Certificate program and look at other GwG certificates and specializations on the SIUC Grow with Google website. SIU Carbondale faculty and staff, educators, community organizations, and employers can request additional information for group access by contacting Salukitech Partnerships.