Purdue University Northwest Provides First-Year Students Google Gemini Licenses to Support Artificial Intelligence Literacy

October 23, 2026

All students starting their first year at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) in the 2026-27 school year are getting access to Google Gemini through the university. This will help them learn what artificial intelligence (AI) tools can do and what their limits are.

Google Gemini is an advanced AI system made by Google LLC. It can study information, help people complete complicated tasks with several steps, and assist with other activities on computers and online. In their classes, PNW first-year students will learn from their teachers how to use AI tools in fair, safe, and responsible ways. They will also learn how these tools can help people gain knowledge and make progress in different areas of work and study.

By learning to use Google Gemini responsibly in their classes and study routines, students can become comfortable with new technology. This experience may also give them an advantage when looking for jobs in their chosen careers, as AI is changing many kinds of work.

“Helping students get ready for their future jobs is one of our most important goals. AI is becoming a major part of almost every kind of job, so our graduates need to know how to use these tools well, fairly, and responsibly. By giving students chances to use AI throughout their time at university, we are helping them build the knowledge and skills they need to do well in a world that depends more and more on technology,” said PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford.

PNW can provide Google Gemini licenses to its first-year students because of a partnership between Purdue University and Google Public Sector. The partnership was announced in early 2026. It aims to create more opportunities to use AI in education, develop new ideas and technology, and help people build skills for their jobs.

PNW is also using these Google Gemini licenses during the 2026-27 school year as a trial program. The university is working on a new graduation requirement that would make sure students understand AI and know how to use it. This trial will help students and the wider university community prepare to use AI effectively. Purdue West Lafayette introduced a requirement for students to show they understand and can use AI, starting with the students entering in fall 2026.