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What is Google AI Accelerator?
Google AI for Education Accelerator (via Coursera) is an educational initiative designed to provide specialized training in artificial intelligence and other job-ready skills. Upon requesting this service, individuals will be enrolled in Coursera, which will allow them to choose and complete Google-authored and Google-sponsored training.
Who is Eligible to Use Google AI Accelerator?
Google AI Accelerator is available to all SJU faculty and staff as of fall 2026.
All SJU active students will be eligible for access starting spring 2027. For an overview of how students can utilize Google’s AI tools, specifically Gemini and Gemini Notebook, to enhance their academic and career-related tasks, please view the online guide.
What are the Benefits of Google AI Accelerator?
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Flexible Pathways: Ability to choose specialized Google-authored and Google-sponsored training depending on your professional or academic goals.
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Self-Paced Learning: Complete at your own pace, entirely online, via Coursera.
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Official Certification: Earn industry-recognized credentials directly from Google upon successful completion.
What AI Tools are approved for Use at SJU?
SJU has approved three enterprise AI tools: Gemini Notebook (Google's research and note-taking assistant), Gemini for Google Workspace (available within Docs, Slides, Forms, and Vids), and Zoom AI Companion (a productivity assistant built into Zoom). Please be advised that members of SJU should not activate trial licenses for these tools. Additionally, please note that the university does not hold a license for AI Studio.
What Career Certificates & Courses are available?
The Google AI for Education Accelerator offers a range of Google Career Certificates and the AI Essentials course, designed to prepare you for roles in fast-growing sectors or to enhance your current professional capabilities.
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AI Essentials: Learn foundational AI concepts and practical applications, including how to integrate AI responsibly into academic and professional settings.
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Cybersecurity: Prepare for entry-level cybersecurity roles and the CompTIA Security+ exam by learning to monitor and protect information systems using tools like Python, Linux, SQL, Event Management (SIEM), and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).
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Data Analytics: Master data visualization and interpretation for decision-making.
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Digital Marketing & E-commerce: Gain practical skills for entry-level roles in digital marketing and e-commerce by learning how to attract and engage customers across search, social media, and email channels, manage online stores, and use industry tools like Canva, Hootsuite, Mailchimp, Google Ads, and Google Analytics, earning a certificate endorsed by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF).
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IT Support: Develop job-ready IT support skills, including troubleshooting, customer care, networking, system administration, security, and hands-on experience with Linux, cloud computing, and command-line tools, no prior experience required.
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Project Management: Learn to manage traditional and Agile projects from start to finish using templates for schedules, budgets, and requirements, while gaining skills in organization, risk management, and leadership, plus over 100 education hours toward Project Management Institute (PMI)® certifications.
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UX Design: Learn to design digital and physical products that are intuitive and enjoyable, developing skills in user research, creative thinking, and design.
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Google AI Professional Certificate: Through this program, participants will learn directly from Google experts:
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Producing professional-grade images, videos, presentations, and marketing materials
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Conducting deep research to uncover key insights
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Building infographics
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Turning goals into comprehensive project plans and timelines
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Drafting communications for multiple audiences
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Cleaning, analyzing, and visualizing data to make smarter decisions
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Vibe coding custom apps without writing a single line of code