News Summary
Oklahoma State University has secured a $2 million commitment from Google to enhance AI education and workforce readiness. The funding will establish new AI programs, including a Master’s in AI set to launch in Fall 2026, while also supporting local high school initiatives to equip students with in-demand skills. This partnership aims to boost academic excellence and foster collaboration among various disciplines, ultimately benefitting the wider Oklahoma community and economy.
Google’s $2 Million Commitment Enhances AI Education at Oklahoma State University
New funding boosts AI programs and workforce readiness across OSU
Oklahoma city, OK — Oklahoma State University (OSU) has received a substantial $2 million commitment from Google aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) education and workforce readiness throughout its educational system. This significant funding will establish new AI-related academic programs and research initiatives, enriching educational opportunities for current students, faculty, and staff, while also benefiting the wider community and economy of Oklahoma.
This funding comes at a pivotal time when the demand for AI skills is rapidly growing in various sectors. As higher education institutions across Oklahoma strive to equip students with the competencies needed for future careers, OSU is poised to lead the charge. By leveraging Google’s investment, OSU can not only foster academic excellence but also enhance workforce development initiatives essential for local businesses and industries.
Launch of AI Master’s Program
A significant portion of Google’s funding will be utilized to launch a new Master’s in AI program, slated to commence in Fall 2026. This innovative interdisciplinary program will emerge from a collaboration among multiple faculties, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, and the Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa. Through this integration, the program will facilitate a shared learning environment that fosters collaboration among students and faculty across diverse disciplines.
Support for High School Students
The commitment also includes targeted initiatives aimed at high school students in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. OSU-OKC plans to partner with Oklahoma City Public Schools to establish a program that provides students with critical skills to meet the growing demands of the workforce. This initiative will focus on the Engineering Technologies Academy, allowing students the opportunity to earn college credit or directly transition into the workforce.
Advancements in Energy and Technology
Part of the funding will be dedicated to bolstering the Hamm Institute for American Energy’s fellows program, advancing cutting-edge research into powering AI technologies with reliable and affordable energy sources. This initiative will support advancements across crucial infrastructure, including the modernization of grid systems. Additionally, the American Energy + AI Initiative will unite leaders from various sectors—energy companies, utilities, technology firms, and academic institutions—to accelerate the development of practical solutions to power AI and data centers efficiently.
Enhancement of Engineering Programs
The engineering program at OSU-Tulsa will also greatly benefit from Google’s support. A substantial portion of the funding will enhance laboratory spaces, providing essential hands-on learning opportunities for students. Furthermore, the program plans to host summer camps that will engage over 1,000 area students, investing in their development and actively promoting future workforce readiness.
Background on Google’s Investment in Oklahoma
This $2 million funding initiative is part of a larger commitment from Google, which announced in November 2025 a total of $5 million aimed at training students and workers across Oklahoma in vital AI skills. As part of this broader investment, the tech giant also donated $1 million to the Thunder Community Foundation, supporting AI sports programming and training initiatives in Oklahoma.
About Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a prominent public land-grant research university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OSU offers a wide array of programs across various disciplines, emphasizing research, education, and community engagement, with a commitment to fostering academic rigor and workforce development.
Key Features of Google’s $2 Million Commitment to OSU
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | $2 million |
| Primary Focus | Enhancing AI education and workforce readiness across OSU system |
| New Program | Master’s in AI program launching Fall 2026 |
| Collaborating Colleges | College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of Google’s $2 million commitment to Oklahoma State University?
Google’s $2 million commitment aims to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) education and workforce readiness across the Oklahoma State University system. This funding will support new AI-related programs, research initiatives, and educational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
What new programs will be established with this funding?
A significant portion of the donation will establish a new Master’s in AI program, set to begin in Fall 2026. This interdisciplinary program, a collaboration among the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, and the Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, aims to integrate AI across various disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment for students and faculty.
How will high school students benefit from this funding?
The funding also targets the Oklahoma City metro area, enabling OSU-OKC, in partnership with Oklahoma City Public Schools, to launch a program that equips high school students with in-demand skills to meet growing workforce demands. This initiative focuses on the Engineering Technologies Academy, offering students the option to earn credit hours at OSU-OKC or directly enter the workforce.
What is the Hamm Institute for American Energy’s role in this initiative?
Google’s support will bolster the Hamm Institute for American Energy’s fellows program, advancing research on powering AI with reliable, affordable energy. The funding will support work across critical infrastructure, from firm generation to grid upgrades, and includes the American Energy + AI Initiative, which brings together energy leaders, utilities, technology firms, and academia to accelerate practical solutions for powering AI and data centers.
How will OSU-Tulsa’s engineering program benefit from this funding?
OSU-Tulsa’s engineering program will benefit from Google’s commitment, with funding allocated to support lab spaces across the Tulsa-area campus, providing hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, funds will support several camps that host over 1,000 area students during the summer months, investing in the future of Oklahoma’s workforce.
What is the background of Google’s investment in Oklahoma?
This initiative is part of Google’s broader investment in Oklahoma’s AI and workforce development. In November 2025, Google announced a $5 million commitment to educate and train students and workers in Oklahoma with AI skills, including a $1 million donation to the Thunder Community Foundation for AI sports programming and training.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Historic Bedlam Basketball Doubleheader in Oklahoma City
Connors State College Receives Historic $15 Million Gift
University of Oklahoma Researchers Propose IHS Trust Fund
Critical Components Aerospace: Innovating Oklahoma’s Aerospace Industry
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Expands Court Reporting Program
NEO A&M College Receives Donation from MacKenzie Scott
Oklahoma State Basketball Team Secures Victory Over Grand Canyon
Oklahoma State Cowgirls Secure Fourth Straight Victory
Oklahoma Celebrates 100 Years of Women in Aviation
Aaron Wiggins Returns to Boost Thunder Against Warriors
