Google has committed $1 billion over the next three years to equip U.S. higher education institutions and nonprofits with artificial intelligence training, research resources, and advanced tools.

More than 100 universities, including major public systems like Texas A&M and the University of North Carolina, have already joined the initiative. Participating schools may receive direct funding, cloud computing credits, and free access to Google’s advanced Gemini chatbot for students.

The investment—which covers both cash support and the value of Google’s paid AI services—aims to eventually reach every accredited nonprofit college in the U.S., with similar programs under discussion abroad, Senior Vice President James Manyika said.

The move comes as tech rivals, including Microsoft, Amazon, Anthropic, and OpenAI, race to integrate AI into education. Microsoft pledged $4 billion globally last month. Beyond academics, these programs give tech giants an early foothold with future professionals who could later become enterprise customers.

While AI in classrooms has sparked concerns about academic integrity and critical thinking, Manyika said Google has so far faced no resistance from university leaders. “We’re hoping to learn together with these institutions about how best to use these tools,” he said, noting that lessons from the program could influence Google’s future AI products.