Utah launches AI credential for college graduates
Utah's Board of Higher Education launched a statewide AI Task Force on Wednesday to coordinate efforts across public colleges, universities, employers and government agencies. The task force will lead development of a university-issued AI Workforce Credential available to graduates at no cost.
More than 50,000 graduates from Utah's public colleges and universities in the classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027 will be eligible to earn the credential beginning July 1, 2026. The credential adds AI skills training within students' existing field of study, complementing their technical and professional preparation.
Governor Spencer J. Cox announced the credential initiative in April at the Utah State of Innovation Conference, framing it as part of the state's effort to prepare graduates for workforce demands. The credential will be delivered through a statewide online learning environment.
Task force scope and membership
The task force brings together 11 members from higher education, business and government, with additional members to be added as work progresses. Cydni Tetro, from the Utah Board of Higher Education, chairs the effort.
Members include engineering deans from the University of Utah and Utah Valley University, computer science faculty from Brigham Young University, and executives from Zions Bancorporation and the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. The Utah Department of Commerce's Office for Artificial Intelligence Policy also has representation.
Broader education goals
Beyond the credential itself, the task force will develop recommendations for how Utah's public colleges and universities can prepare students for an AI-enabled workforce. The group will also address responsible AI use in teaching and research and align education programs more closely with employer needs.
The Board of Higher Education authorized the task force in December 2025 to guide systemwide integration of AI across Utah's higher education institutions. The work aligns with three strategic priorities: equipping every student with AI skills and workforce readiness, using AI to improve education and research, and adapting higher education for an AI-accelerated economy.
Details on enrollment and completion for the AI Workforce Credential will be released in the coming weeks.
For educators looking to understand AI for Education or implement AI in your institution, resources are available to support your work with students and faculty.
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