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Reference Program
Reference Institutions are shaping the future of education
The Google for Education Reference Program recognizes educational institutions for their innovative use of technology to improve learning outcomes. See the impact Reference Institutions are having using tools like Gemini, Google Workspace for Education, and Chromebooks, or connect directly to learn from their expertise.
Find a Reference Institution
Discover, learn, and get inspired
Find a Reference Institution
Browse a rich, global network of Reference Institutions by location and area of expertise.
Learn about their impact
Read real-world examples of how Reference Institutions have put Google for Education tools to work. Filter by specific products - like Gemini - to surface stories most relevant to your area of focus.
Reach out and get inspired
Connect directly with a Reference Institution to learn more about their journey or schedule a site visit to understand how you can apply their best practices to transform teaching and learning at your school.
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Recognizing innovation and impact across all levels of education
The Reference Program celebrates educational institutions who are making an impact with Google tools.
For K-12 Institutions
Google for Education Premier Reference and Reference Institutions are recognized for their system-wide adoption of tools – including Google Workspace for Education Plus, Gemini, and Chromebooks – to create dynamic, effective teaching and learning environments for all students.
For Higher Education Institutions
A Gemini for Education Reference Institution is recognized for its distinguished use of Google AI. These institutions push the boundaries of what’s possible in teaching, learning, and research with their deep integrations of Gemini and NotebookLM.
Reference Institutions are making an impact with Google for Education
Read about how Reference Institutions are using Google’s AI and collaboration tools to advance the future of education.
Reference Institutions are making an impact with Google for Education
“We are looking for elegant, clean solutions that are very user friendly and Google just checked the boxes. It has everything in place to make sure that our users were able to utilize the AI in a way that was very secure... Every single teacher at Miami-Dade County Public Schools as well as every single high schooler has access to Gemini.”
Daniel Mateo, Assistant Superintendent
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Read story
“In the future, students, guardians, and teachers have to work together collaboratively. So we're preparing the students for the world tomorrow, and I believe the schools will have classrooms with or without walls.”
Hasan Brown, Principal
Spectrum International School (SIS) Putrajaya, Malaysia
Read story
“We had a user who received an email that was a phishing attempt, and we were able to use Google Workspace for Education Plus to get control of the message. We can take control right from the Admin console for content that raises a concern.”
Senior Network Manager
Newburgh Enlarged School District
Read story
“Everything in Google Workspace for Education is about guiding students along the whole journey, not just at the final submission of their work. Education Plus gives us ways to continuously help students...”
Luke Starczak, Senior Leader of STEM and Innovative Pedagogies
Murray Bridge, Australia
Read story
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Feeling inspired? Take the next step
Explore more resources to help you get the most out of Google for Education.
EXPLORE WORKSPACE FOR EDUCATION PLUSUnderstand the tech that powers Google for Education Reference Institutions
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EXPLORE GEMINI FOR EDUCATIONDiscover the AI powering Gemini for Education Reference Institutions
Explore Gemini for Education
BROWSE CASE STUDIESExplore more stories of success from schools around the world
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Have questions? Get answers here.
What is the Google for Education Reference Program?
The Google for Education Reference Program recognizes institutions of learning around the world for their outstanding use of Google for Education technology and our educator certification programs to advance the future of education. Google shines a spotlight on these institutions to foster connection, learning, and inspiration.
Members of the Reference Program – whether they’re a Google for Education Reference Institution serving primary and secondary students, or a Gemini for Education Reference University – join an exclusive and inspiring global community of leaders in education.
What are the different types of Reference Institutions?
In K-12, Google for Education Premier Reference and Reference institutions are recognized for their deep, system-wide adoption of Google tools – like Google Workspace for Education Plus, Gemini, and Chromebooks – to drive positive learning outcomes.
In higher education, universities and colleges are recognized as Gemini for Education Reference Institutions for their distinguished use of Google AI. Their deep, institution-wide integration of Gemini for Education and NotebookLM allows them to push the boundaries of what's possible in teaching, learning, and research.
Regardless of the age of students served, a Reference Institution is eager to share their Google experience with others. They often host visitors on-site, share advice, tips, and best practices, and serve as public examples of successful technology integration and school transformation for others to learn from and get inspired by.
Who is eligible to join the Reference Program?
The Google for Education Reference Program is by invitation only.
In order to be considered for the Reference Program, a K-12 institution will:
have deep, system-wide adoption of Google for Education technology (Gemini for Education, Google Workspace for Education Plus. Chromebooks, etc.)
demonstrate a commitment to the professional development of their educators, as evidenced by their participation in Google for Education’s educator certification programs (Champions, Level 1 & Level 2 Educator Certifications).
A higher education institution will:
have deep, institution-wide integration of Gemini for Education and NotebookLM.
demonstrate a commitment to the professional development of their faculty as evidenced by their faculty’s Gemini certifications.
How is the Reference Program different from the Champions Program, or the Levels 1 and 2 Educator Certifications?
The Reference Program recognizes an entire educational institution for its collective achievement in technology integration and its role in shaping the future of education.
The Champions Program and Google for Education Level 1 and Level 2 Educator Certifications recognize an individual educator for their accomplishments.
While Champions (educators who have been certified by Google as a Coach, Trainer, Innovator, or GEG Leader) and certified educators will exist within each Reference Institution, their presence doesn’t automatically qualify an institution for the Reference Program. See “Who is eligible to join the Reference Program?” above.
Is the Reference Program available in my country?
At this time, we are not actively onboarding new Reference Institutions in every country.
If your institution is interested in learning how you might one day join the program, you may review general eligibility requirements above. If you still have questions, you may contact Google (see below) or your trusted Google for Education Partner.
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