Google and Internet2 have launched the NET+ Google AI Education Leadership Program (ELP), a new collaborative initiative aimed at accelerating the responsible integration of artificial intelligence across higher education and research institutions. The program, introduced last week, offers a community-driven framework to help universities adopt AI tools such as Gemini for Education and NotebookLM to enhance teaching, learning, and research outcomes. By bringing together leading institutions, the ELP ensures that colleges and universities are not navigating the challenges of AI implementation in isolation. Instead, they will collaborate, share insights, and co-develop best practices for ethical and effective AI use in academic settings. The inaugural cohort includes 10 diverse institutions from across the United States, representing a mix of public and private universities. Together, these schools serve more than 325,000 students. Participating institutions include the University of California, Berkeley; Lehigh University; New York University; the University of Hawaii; the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; the University of Washington; and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Through the program, these institutions will work closely with Google and Internet2 to explore how AI can support innovation in education while maintaining academic integrity, data privacy, and equity. The goal is to shape the future of AI in higher education by building a shared, forward-looking approach grounded in real-world experience and collaboration. For more information, including details on the program’s goals, structure, and participation, visit the NET+ Google AI Education Leadership Program webpage.