The Scale of the New Scholarship Program
On September 22, 2026, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Grow with Google announced a partnership to provide 100,000 certificate scholarships across more than 80 countries. This initiative is designed to ensure that individuals in diverse regions can benefit from artificial intelligence advancements by offering accessible educational resources. The program specifically targets the expansion of digital capabilities on a global scale.
Addressing Specific Digital Skill Deficits
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates that 1.2 billion people worldwide still need training to acquire basic digital skills, while another 311 million require instruction to develop above-basic competencies. The new scholarship program aims to bridge these specific gaps by providing structured learning pathways for individuals currently lacking foundational or advanced technical knowledge.
The Impact of Hands-On Training
Global research conducted by Ipsos and Google indicates that hands-on training significantly improves learner outcomes. Specifically, individuals who engage in practical exercises are up to four times more likely to become confident with AI technologies compared to those who do not receive such direct practice.
Curriculum Structure and Target Audiences
The training program offers over 200 courses within the Coalition catalogue, requiring zero prior background in technology. The curriculum is designed to provide practical, everyday skills alongside recognized certificates taught by experts so learners can demonstrate their mastery to employers. These locally led programs are tailored to support national workforce priorities for students, teachers, job seekers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and civil servants.
Broader Context of the AI Skills Gap
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by data showing that demand for AI fluency has grown sevenfold in two years, faster than any other skill in U.S. job postings according to McKinsey research. In the United States alone, 6.1 million workers are exposed to AI but ill-equipped to adapt, while nearly half of executives surveyed by IBM report their employees lack necessary AI skills. Additionally, 87% of executives believe that employees are more likely to be augmented than replaced by generative AI.
Strategic Alignment and Future Outlook
The scholarship initiative complements the ITU-UNICEF Giga initiative, a joint effort by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNICEF to help governments connect every school and bring vital online resources to communities around the world. This alignment supports broader efforts to promote AI literacy and counter job polarization globally.
Research indicates that AI-driven automation is creating opportunities for high-skilled positions while contributing to the erosion of mid-skill roles, particularly in developing economies where significant gaps in AI literacy persist. The program aims to address these workforce dynamics by providing structured learning pathways that support national priorities.