San Jac prepares students for AI-driven workforce

Sep 15, 2026Jacquelynn Conger
San Jac News Graphic

Collaboration expands access to AI training and job-ready skills for students

Pasadena, Texas – San Jacinto College has joined the Google AI for Education Accelerator, expanding access to artificial intelligence training, industry-recognized credentials, and tools designed to help students build skills for an increasingly AI-driven workforce.

Through the initiative, San Jac students will have access at no cost to Google Career Certificates, the Google AI Professional Certificate, AI Essentials, and AI training and resources. Faculty will also have access to AI-focused professional development opportunities.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people work across industries, and our responsibility is to make sure San Jac students are prepared not only for the jobs of today, but for the careers that will emerge in the years ahead. Working with Google gives our students additional opportunities to develop practical AI skills they can take directly into the workplace.”

Rizwan Virani
senior director, computer science, IT, cybersecurity, AI programs at San Jacinto College

Google’s training combines AI instruction with hands-on learning, real-world projects and skill-building labs. Google Career Certificates are available in areas including cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce, IT support, project management, and UX design. More than 150 employers use Google Career Certificates and courses to upskill employees or identify talent.

The initiative comes as AI skills become increasingly important to employers. According to Google’s program materials, 75% of employers surveyed said they would rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced candidate without them, while only 51% of recent graduates surveyed felt they had sufficient AI skills for the jobs they applied for.

“AI competency is quickly becoming a workforce skill rather than a skill reserved for technology careers,” Virani said. “Giving students opportunities to learn how to use these tools effectively and responsibly strengthens their education today and their competitiveness throughout their careers.”

San Jacinto College is one of more than 400 institutions across all 50 states participating in the Google AI for Education Accelerator.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

 

 

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