University of Phoenix and OpenAI target AI skills for working adults

16 Jul

The collaboration will explore ChatGPT Edu, AI-enabled learning, student support, career services and research on student and workforce outcomes.

Editorial image showing an adult learner using a laptop and interacting with a digital AI interface. Used to illustrate ETIH coverage of University of Phoenix and OpenAI’s collaboration on AI skills, ChatGPT Edu and workforce-aligned learning. — ***University of Phoenix and OpenAI are collaborating on AI-powered learning, workforce readiness, student support and research for working adult learners.***

University of Phoenix is collaborating with OpenAI on AI-powered learning, workforce readiness and research for working adult learners.

The collaboration will look at AI use across teaching and learning, student services, career support, institutional operations and research. University of Phoenix says the work is focused on helping working professionals build practical AI skills they can use in their jobs.

OpenAI will support University of Phoenix across areas including access, enablement, employer skills alignment and joint research on student and career outcomes, according to Nicole Carter, who works on go-to-market for education at OpenAI.

Kevin Mills, Head of Education Go-to-Market at OpenAI, says: “AI has the greatest impact when institutions combine access to advanced technology with the expertise, vision and support needed to put it to work in meaningful ways.

“We're excited to collaborate with the University of Phoenix to expand access to ChatGPT Edu while helping foster the capabilities, culture and confidence needed to accelerate responsible AI adoption across the institution. Together, we're laying the foundation for new approaches to teaching, learning and student success in the age of AI.”

University of Phoenix serves working adults through flexible online learning and skills-mapped associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The university says its average student age is approximately 38.

Collaboration focuses on AI fluency and workforce skills

The OpenAI collaboration will explore AI-powered teaching and learning experiences, AI skills development across academic programs, faculty productivity tools, personalized student support and AI-enabled career services.

Chris Lynne, Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Education Partners and President of University of Phoenix, says: “Artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant shifts in the future of work since the emergence of the internet. Our students aren't preparing for tomorrow's workforce—they're already shaping today's.

“Together with OpenAI, University of Phoenix has an opportunity to help working adults build practical AI capabilities they can immediately apply in their careers while advancing new understanding of how AI can improve learning, career mobility and workforce success.”

The collaboration is being positioned around learners already in employment. University of Phoenix says its students are balancing careers, families and education, creating an opportunity to study how AI skills are applied in workplace settings as well as in courses.

Nicole Carter, who works on go-to-market for education at OpenAI, wrote on LinkedIn that the OpenAI team is focused on “supporting UOPX across multiple strategic pillars encompassing access, enablement, employer skills alignment, and joint research on student/career outcomes.”

University of Phoenix builds on existing AI strategy

The OpenAI collaboration builds on an institution-wide AI strategy at the university, organized around three academic pillars: embedding AI competencies into programs and curricula, using AI to support teaching, learning and student support, and integrating AI into operations through a human-centered, responsible AI framework.

The university says AI skills and literacy are being systematically embedded across more than 20 degree programs.

Students already have access to Microsoft Copilot and AI-powered academic support through the Phoenix Academic Support System, known as PASS. University of Phoenix also uses Phoebe, its AI-powered student support assistant, which it says helps thousands of learners each day with real-time assistance.

The university’s Center for AI Resources acts as a hub for AI literacy and responsible use. Faculty have completed institution-wide AI training, while students are increasingly using classroom-based, scenario-driven AI experiences that simulate workplace applications.

The collaboration with OpenAI also aligns with its University of Phoenix’s workforce research, including studies on career optimism, AI adoption, employer readiness, workforce transformation and the relationship between education and work.

University of Phoenix and OpenAI will now explore AI applications across teaching and learning, student support, career services, operations and collaborative research, with ChatGPT Edu named as part of the institutional AI work.