Google and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are offering 100,000 free certificate scholarships to help people build AI skills. The program will reach learners in more than 80 countries.
The announcement came on September 22, 2026. It was shared by Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, and Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU.
The scholarships are part of the AI Skills Coalition. This is a partner-led group under the ITU's AI for Good program.
Why the Program Was Created
The two leaders said people often search Google for the same question: "How do I get started with AI?" They said many people want to use AI tools but struggle to find a clear place to begin.
Research from Ipsos and Google found that hands-on training makes people up to four times more likely to feel confident using AI. The partners said practical training helps turn new technology into something useful.
The ITU estimates that 1.2 billion people around the world still need training in basic digital skills. Another 311 million people need training to build more advanced skills.
The leaders said internet access alone is not enough. They warned that connectivity without the right skills could create a new divide.
Expanding access to AI learning was a main focus at this year's United Nations General Assembly in New York.
How the Scholarships Will Work
The 100,000 scholarships will add to more than 200 courses already in the coalition's catalog. The training will be delivered through local governments and the Giga network.
Giga is a joint project between the ITU and UNICEF. It helps governments connect every school to the internet.
Local leaders and national ministries can adjust the training to fit their own workforce needs. The courses are meant for students, teachers, job seekers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and government workers.
The training requires no background in technology. It focuses on hands-on practice with everyday skills.
Learners can earn recognized certificates taught by experts. These certificates are meant to help people show their skills to employers.
The AI Skills Coalition brings together governments, companies, schools, UN groups, and community organizations. Its goal is to expand access to AI skills and support responsible use of AI.
The coalition plans to track how many scholarships are activated and used. It will also measure how many learners take part, finish courses, and earn certificates.
Tracking will include how well the program reaches priority groups. These include young people, teachers, public servants, and job seekers.
The partners will also work with countries to study how learners use their new skills at school, at work, and in public service. They said the goal is to answer the question "How do I get started with AI?" with clear, high-quality learning paths for everyone.
