Michigan college and trade school students can get $100 each in credits to use OpenAI’s Codex, a cloud-based AI agent that allows students to build projects, create software and develop practical AI skills.
OpenAI is making up to $45 million in Codex credits available to up to 450,000 Michigan students who are age 18 and older during the 2026–27 academic year. OpenAI spokesperson Jamie Radice said Codex, which updates files, creates apps and pulls information from emails, among other tasks, can be useful for students preparing for careers in engineering, manufacturing, health care, technology, skilled trades or small business.
“We know that access to AI tools is a top concern among parents and young people,” an OpenAI blog post announcing the investment said. “The concern is driven by the recognition that to be best positioned when it comes to the jobs and economy students will be participating in, they will need AI skills. This program is designed to help prepare these students to be equipped to participate in the AI economy.”
The offering comes as OpenAI broke ground Monday, June 1, on its hyperscale data center campus in Saline Township. The project, nicknamed “The Barn,” is backed by developers Oracle, Related Digital, Walbridge and OpenAI.
OpenAI also said it’s partnering with Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, along with participating community colleges and other state and local partners, on AI literacy and workforce training opportunities.
To register, go to https://chatgpt.com/codex/michigan-college-students/. Students need a ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus or Pro plan to get started. Students will need to enter their name, date of birth and student email address to verify they’re a student. Once verified, credits will be automatically added to students’ ChatGPT accounts for use in Codex.
Eligible students will receive $100 in Codex credits — equivalent to 2,500 credits — and they expire 12 months after they are granted, Radice said.
Registration will remain open for the foreseeable future while credits remain available, she said.
Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Up to 450K Michigan college students eligible for free OpenAI credits
Reporting by Adrienne Roberts, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Adrienne Roberts, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
