San Francisco – September 22, 2026 -- Handshake, the career network for the AI economy, has launched AI Skills Studio, a free learning hub offering hands-on AI projects to more than one million employers on its platform. The tool was built with partners including Clay, Figma, Gamma, Google, Lovable, Notion, OpenAI, Replit, Salesforce, Southern New Hampshire University, and Vercel.
Job seekers complete AI 'missions' in 10 to 45 minutes using real practitioner tools
AI Skills Studio offers personalized, project-based missions that produce a tangible output, ranging from automated workflows to working software. An AI Skills Instructor guides learners through the process, and early users have built interactive games, data dashboards, personal portfolios, and sales and marketing tools.
Completed projects feed directly into Handshake's hiring network of 1 million employers
Finished work can be added to a learner's Handshake profile and featured in the platform's AI Showcase, alongside a verified skill badge. Handshake's marketplace connects more than 30 million job seekers, 1,600 educational institutions, and one million employers.
Handshake data shows a 30-point gap between AI demand and curriculum integration
According to Handshake's 2026 Network Trends Report, 58% of graduating seniors say they need a stronger understanding of AI to succeed at work, but only 28% say AI has been meaningfully integrated into their education program.
OpenAI and Google commit tools to close the employer-facing skills gap
"AI fluency is essential to career readiness, and reducing the capability gap can accelerate opportunity for students and early-career professionals," said Brian Johnsrud, Head of Education Engagement at OpenAI. Lisa Gevelber, Founder of Grow with Google, said the partnership helps learners build hands-on experience with Google AI tools and showcase their work to employers.
Handshake links applied AI evidence directly to hiring decisions
"Employers know they need people who can work effectively with AI, but a résumé can't tell you what someone is truly capable of," said Jon Stull, Chief Operating Officer at Handshake. The launch builds on Handshake's acquisition of Uplimit, the AI-native learning company founded by Julia Stiglitz, Handshake's Chief Education and Workforce Officer, whose project-based learning technology now powers the new tool.
AI Skills Studio is available immediately at no cost through the Handshake website and mobile app.