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California has signed agreements with four of the largest technology companies in the generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) sector—Google, Adobe, IBM, and Microsoft—in a move state officials say will strengthen the state’s position as a global leader in technology while preparing students and workers for the jobs of the future.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the initiative this week, describing it as a no-cost partnership that will integrate AI education into schools, community colleges, and universities across the state. The agreements aim to equip students with the technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and ethical framework necessary to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Under the new arrangements, high schools, community colleges, and California State Universities (CSU) will receive access to advanced AI tools, updated curricula reflecting the latest industry developments, and expanded networking and internship opportunities. The partnerships will also create pathways for students to move directly from the classroom into high-paying careers in technology, cybersecurity, and data science.
“This new partnership with leading AI companies brings cutting-edge skills and tools directly to our students, faculty, staff, and communities—expanding opportunity and ensuring that Californians are prepared to thrive in the future world of work shaped by AI,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “As the largest workforce training provider in the nation, we play a pivotal role in developing California’s talent and guiding the responsible and equitable use of generative AI.”
Each participating company will contribute unique resources and programs tailored to different sectors of California’s education system.
Adobe will provide classroom-ready generative AI tools such as Adobe Express, Acrobat, and Firefly, alongside AI literacy content for teachers and students. The company will also offer programming and training materials to prepare students to use AI responsibly in creative and professional environments.
Google will give students free access to its “Prompting Essentials” course, which teaches effective and responsible AI usage without requiring prior technical experience. Educators will also be able to take advantage of Google’s “Generative AI for Educators” course to create customized lesson plans, improve instruction, and streamline administrative work. The company will continue collaborating with state agencies to modernize government services using AI.
IBM plans to integrate AI into career education programs across California’s community colleges, expand its IBM SkillsBuild platform, and promote the development of regional AI labs. The company’s efforts will include short-term certificate programs and hands-on training experiences aligned with workforce demands in AI, cybersecurity, and data science.
Microsoft, in collaboration with the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the Chancellor’s Office, has already delivered bootcamps in AI Foundations, cybersecurity, and Microsoft Copilot. These training programs will continue, enabling faculty to bring advanced AI and cybersecurity instruction directly into their classrooms.
Officials said the agreements underscore California’s commitment to maintaining its technological edge while ensuring equitable access to AI education. The state is home to 33 of the top 50 privately held AI companies in the world, a concentration that has fueled both economic growth and competition for skilled workers.
“Leveraging the state’s leadership in technology to train the current and future generation of California workers positions us to remain the world’s leader in emerging technologies,” said Nick Maduros, Secretary of the California Government Operations Agency.
Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development, said the goal is to ensure that California students enter the workforce with a competitive advantage. “AI is expected to touch nearly every aspect of the working world,” Knox said. “Making sure California students are fluent in AI tools will give them a huge advantage as they start their careers.”
Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, said the agreements demonstrate California’s role in shaping the innovation economy. “Partnering with these industry leaders will further unlock opportunities for Californians to get the skills they need to advance their careers while ensuring employers have access to the most talented workforce in the nation,” she said.
The new agreements come as California continues to implement its AI policy framework. In 2023, Governor Newsom signed an executive order outlining the state’s approach to adopting generative AI in government operations, with an emphasis on ethical, transparent, and safe deployment.
Earlier this year, a group of AI experts convened by the state released The California Report on Frontier AI Policy, offering recommendations for balancing innovation with consumer protection and public safety. The state has already launched pilot projects using AI to reduce traffic congestion, improve roadway safety, and enhance customer service at state agencies.
The rollout of the education and workforce training programs will begin immediately, with education leaders and state agencies coordinating the distribution of resources, software, and training opportunities. The partnerships will focus not only on technical skills, but also on promoting critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making in the use of AI.
By embedding AI education into classrooms and expanding professional training, state officials say California is laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth while preparing students for careers that may not yet exist.
“On behalf of the California State University, I commend and deeply appreciate Governor Newsom’s forward-thinking efforts to harness the power of artificial intelligence,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “This agreement is at the heart of our AI initiative, aimed at empowering faculty, elevating the student experience, and equipping our graduates with the essential skills they’ll need to thrive in every field.”
The state plans to monitor the impact of these partnerships on student outcomes, workforce readiness, and industry innovation, to ensure California remains the location of choice for the world’s most forward-thinking companies.