The California State University system (CSU) and OpenAI have joined forces to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education by providing more than 460,000 students and over 63,000 staff and faculty with access to ChatGPT Edu, a version of ChatGPT customised for educational institutions. "It is the largest implementation of ChatGPT by any single organization or company anywhere in the world," OpenAI announced on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
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System-Wide Access to AI Tools
According to the official release, system-wide access will allow CSU students to integrate AI into their studies while streamlining administrative tasks for faculty, freeing up more time for teaching and research. The deployment also aims to equip students with essential AI skills.
"With a system-wide rollout across 23 campuses, CSU will become the first AI-powered university system in the United States—and a global leader in AI and education," OpenAI highlighted.
Key Initiatives
According to OpenAI, "This initiative will enhance the CSU experience and equip students with essential AI skills to succeed in an increasingly AI-literate workforce and succeed in an increasingly AI-driven US economy through AI initiatives." These include:
Next-Gen Teaching and Learning: AI-driven curriculum development, personalised tutoring, and interactive study guides will enhance student engagement and support faculty.
AI Coaching: A platform offering free training and certifications in AI tools to all students, faculty, and staff, promoting skill-building across the CSU system.
"CSU will introduce a dedicated platform offering free training programs and certifications for all students, faculty, and staff, equipping them with the skills to effectively use AI tools like ChatGPT," OpenAI explained.
AI Workforce Readiness: CSU will connect students with apprenticeship opportunities in AI-driven industries to help them enter the job market with in-demand skills.
In two years after its launch, ChatGPT says it supports over 300 million weekly active users worldwide, with learning being its most popular use. "Students and lifelong learners rely on ChatGPT for tutoring, personalised access to information across different formats and languages, and the flexibility to explore any topic, anytime," OpenAI said.
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Advancing AI in Education
Early research suggests AI can significantly enhance educational outcomes and career readiness: Harvard researchers found that an AI-powered tutor, customised for a physics course, doubled student engagement and improved problem-solving, particularly for those with less prior knowledge.
Meanwhile, a Microsoft study found that individuals with AI skills are over 70 percent more likely to be hired, highlighting the growing demand for AI proficiency in the workforce.
"The CSU has long been known for our unwavering commitment to access, equity and innovation. To uphold our mission, we must ensure that our diverse students from across California and staff are ‘AI-empowered' to thrive as our world evolves," said Mildred Garcia, Chancellor of the California State University.
"It is critical that the entire education ecosystem—institutions, systems, technologists, educators, and governments—work together to ensure that all students have access to AI and gain the skills to use it responsibly," added Leah Belsky, VP and General Manager of Education at OpenAI.
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ChatGPT Edu
OpenAI says ChatGPT Edu was launched in May 2024 to provide universities with campus-wide access to OpenAI's latest models, enterprise-level security, and cost-effective pricing. "CSU’s system-wide adoption sets a precedent for how institutions can integrate AI at scale, offering a powerful model for the future," the AI company said.