USM, Google to Bring Google Career Certificates, AI Training to Thousands of Learners

The University System of Maryland (USM) and Google on Tuesday announced a new partnership that will help thousands of USM students and other Maryland learners earn Google Career Certificates in high-growth fields including cybersecurity, data analytics and project management at no cost.

USM will also offer learners Google’s new AI courses, designed and taught by AI experts at Google to teach foundational skills in artificial intelligence technology. All 12 of USM’s public universities and two of its regional higher education centers will offer this training.

The partnership comes at an opportune time for USM in amplifying its role in preparing learners for an AI-focused economy. By offering the Google Career Certificates program, USM is also providing learners access to industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields, which can help boost learners’ career readiness across many different sectors.

Keeping pace with in-demand skills has become a defining factor in workforce readiness. A recent industry report found that 96% of a global sample of employers reported that micro-credentials strengthened a candidate’s job application, and 9 in 10 said they were willing to offer micro-credential holders a higher starting salary. In the realm of AI, 75% of these employers said they would hire a less experienced candidate with a GenAI credential over someone more experienced without one, illustrating GenAI’s impact on hiring decisions (Micro-Credentials Impact Report, Coursera, 2025).

“We’re excited to partner with Google, one of the most trusted leaders in industry certificates. This collaboration will boost the career readiness of our learners across the System and give them an undeniable competitive edge,” said USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman. “It supports our vision for the future of higher education and the critical role the USM plays in upskilling and reskilling Maryland’s workforce—never more important than right now.”

The USM-Google partnership will have a special emphasis on bringing Google Career Certificates and AI courses to active military, veteran, and military family learners. This unique emphasis recognizes USM’s long-standing commitment to these learner populations, which recently culminated in six USM universities being cited as “Best for Vets” by the Military Times, which looked at student success metrics, availability of military-specific resources and financial assistance, among other factors, in developing its rankings. Only 300 institutions were recognized nationally.

"Google is thrilled to partner with the University System of Maryland to bring Google Career Certificates and AI Essentials courses to thousands of learners, active military and veterans across the state," said Lisa Gevelber, founder, Grow with Google. “This collaboration is a significant step in equipping Maryland’s current and future workforce with skills needed for an increasingly digital economy.”

Google Career Certificates can be completed within three to six months of part-time study, with no experience required. Designed and taught by Google employees, each certificate includes 100-plus practice and graded assessments, quizzes or writing assignments to ensure rigor and mastery. Students who complete the program gain access to our employer consortium of more than 150 companies—including Booz Allen Hamilton, Siemens and, of course, Google— committed to considering certificate graduates for relevant roles. More than 1 million people globally have graduated from the Google Career Certificate program, and over 70% report positive career outcomes within six months of completion, such as a new job, promotion or raise.

“This partnership signals the value of blending robust degree programs with recognized industry training and extending opportunities for lifelong learning,” said Maryland Del. Stephanie M. Smith, chair of the House of Delegates’ Education & Economic Development Subcommittee. “Partnering with the system to coordinate this effort will ensure that Google’s Career Certificates and AI courses reach Marylanders far and wide.”

Several schools in the system, including the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, also have provided access to Gemini App—Google's generative AI with enhanced security and privacy, included with Workspace for Education at no cost. Students and educators can use Gemini to assist in learning across various subjects.

"What an exciting day for Maryland,” said U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). “This partnership between the University System of Maryland and Google is designed to support thousands of Maryland students, create opportunities to learn artificial intelligence technology and spur innovation. As our state continues to lead the nation in technology and higher education, this partnership advances Maryland's leadership in AI and cybersecurity.”