In Summer 2026, University of Michigan student-athletes spent seven weeks earning a Google AI credential, solving a real business challenge with a company sponsor, and learning from former pro athletes who now build companies.
Student-athletes already know preparation, reps and showing up ready to compete. The accelerator pairs those habits with practical AI skills, a credential and a professional network.
An industry-recognized credential from Google, earned in the first three weeks.
A real business challenge set by a company sponsor, built in teams and presented in the final week.
Every participant receives a complimentary one-year membership to keep building a network after the program.
Career readiness and interview prep workshops, plus a sharper career story to carry into recruiting.
Nine University of Michigan student-athletes from five sports. Filter by sport, open a profile, and connect with them on LinkedIn.
Students learned directly from former pro athletes turned founders and operators, and from leaders who have built careers at the highest levels.
Helps athletes reframe identity and mindset as they move from sport into a professional career.
Financial literacy for athletes: investing, wealth management and long-term security.
Public speaking, personal branding and commanding a room in professional settings.
From the NFL to founding Rizewell: building wealth and business acumen beyond the game.
A JPMorgan VP at 23 turned career-builder whose playbooks have launched more than 1,000 tech careers.
The capstone put students to work on a real business challenge: creating a business solution to a real-world problem, in teams, using the prompting and AI skills they built during certification.
Marcus Peterson set the challenge in Week 4, met with teams for feedback through Weeks 5 and 6, and received the final presentations in Week 7.
A former NFL player who moved into entrepreneurship, Marcus brings real-world business experience and deep industry connections. He sponsored and led the capstone from kickoff through final presentations.
About two to three hours a week: self-paced certification coursework plus short live sessions with guest speakers and the capstone sponsor.
The Pathways Foundation runs the AI Career Accelerator with leagues, teams and athletic departments. Tell us about your athletes and we will shape a cohort around their schedule.