Google and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for digital technologies, have announced an initiative to provide 100,000 professional certificate scholarships, supporting efforts to expand artificial intelligence and digital skills training across more than 80 countries.
Announced on September 22, 2026, the partnership will operate through the AI Skills Coalition, an initiative under the ITU’s AI for Good program that brings together governments, technology companies, educational institutions and international organizations.
The scholarships will provide access to practical training designed for students, educators, job seekers, entrepreneurs, small business owners and public-sector employees.
The initiative comes as artificial intelligence adoption increases the importance of digital skills across industries, creating new demands for workforce training and professional development.
Global Digital Skills Gap Remains Significant
According to ITU estimates cited in the announcement, approximately 1.2 billion people worldwide still need training to acquire basic digital skills, while another 311 million require training to develop more advanced capabilities.
The figures highlight a challenge for governments and employers seeking to expand participation in the digital economy.
Research conducted by Ipsos and Google also found that individuals receiving hands-on AI training can be up to four times more likely to report confidence in using the technology.
The findings suggest that access to practical instruction could play an important role in helping workers and organizations incorporate AI into everyday activities.
However, increased confidence does not necessarily translate into measurable productivity gains or improved employment outcomes. Those effects will depend on how the skills are applied.
Scholarships Will Support Workforce Development
The 100,000 scholarships will complement a catalogue of more than 200 courses available through the AI Skills Coalition.
Training opportunities include artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, information technology, project management and digital marketing.
Participating governments will be able to align training programs with national workforce priorities, selecting groups and professional areas based on local economic needs.
The initiative will also support the ITU-UNICEF Giga program, which works with governments to connect schools to the internet and improve access to digital resources.
According to the ITU Academy, participating countries can receive an initial allocation of scholarships, with additional opportunities linked to enrollment, utilization and course completion.
The program is intended to provide recognized professional credentials at no cost to selected learners. The initiative is part of Google’s broader efforts to expand digital training through Grow with Google.
Measuring the Impact of AI Training
Google and the ITU said the program will track scholarship activation, learner participation, course completion and certificates earned.
The organizations also plan to evaluate how participants apply their skills in education, employment and public services.
The ITU Academy has established a country-led application process, with governments responsible for identifying priority learners and coordinating local implementation.
According to the published program timeline, applications from participating governments are scheduled to close on November 1, 2026, with selected governments expected to be announced on November 5.
The initiative’s long-term impact will depend not only on the number of scholarships distributed but also on how effectively the training supports professional development and economic participation.
As artificial intelligence continues to influence workplace requirements, partnerships between technology companies and international organizations are becoming one approach to addressing the global shortage of digital skills.
Sources: Google, Investing in Global Talent and AI Literacy, September 22, 2026; International Telecommunication Union, AI Skills Coalition and ITU Academy; Ipsos and Google, 2026 AI research.
Original sources: Google’s official announcement | ITU Academy — Giga Learning Hub
