San Jose State University and multinational information technology company IBM are collaborating to equip students with the latest job-related skills.
Under what is presented as the first-of-its-kind partnership on the west coast, IBM will provide the university community with access to its various academic initiatives, resources like cloud technology and software on AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, data science for teaching and research purposes.
The company will also establish a cybersecurity training center and promote innovation through regular workshops and training.
“This collaboration will help San Jose State students gain the skills they need to compete in tomorrow’s workforce, and it will solidify SJSU as the top provider of talent to Silicon Valley companies,” said San Jose State University President Mary A. Papazian.
A new IBM Skills Academy offering practical curriculum, learning tools, and labs created by the company subject experts will also be established.
“Skills are the most important issue of our time and we need to fully equip students with the right skills to participate in the digital economy,” said Naguib Attia, vice president, IBM Global University Programs.
Earlier this year, the company partnered with the University of Louisville to establish a similar skills academy to impart digital learning and technology skills onto students. It also pledged to spend at least $5 million a year to make available software and cloud technology to run the academy.