The Santa Clara, Calif.-based technology company works with 85% of the Fortune 500
FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 10, 2026 — San Francisco Bay University announced today a partnership with global software firm ServiceNow, enabling student access to a suite of advanced digital courses and to ServiceNow certifications sought in the workforce.
Santa Clara, Calif.-based ServiceNow works with 85% of Fortune 500 companies, operating a cloud-based enterprise platform that automates digital workflows. Under the company’s no-charge arrangement with SFBU, the ServiceNow University training and certification platform will be available at no cost to students and faculty in business and computer science programs.
Online opportunities in ServiceNow University range from more than 1,000 on-demand courses and industry-recognized certifications to real-world learning scenarios. Subject-matter areas include system administration, application development and artificial intelligence.
“When employers discover a job applicant earned a degree at SFBU, they know that person is fully up to date on best practices in their field,” said Professor Ahmed Banafa, the SFBU director of continuing education and special projects. “Learning from ServiceNow adds an extra, and invaluable, layer to graduates’ job-ready preparedness right out of the gate.”
The ServiceNow-SFBU engagement will begin in the fall 2026 semester with faculty training. Banafa expects student access to ServiceNow will begin before the calendar year ends.
AI lessons and tools through ServiceNow University will be particularly helpful for students working on SFBU capstone projects, 30% of which must be related to AI, Banafa said. He identified ServiceNow as a strong entry point to real-world tools as students develop their capstone work.
“I want to minimize that bridge — that gap — between the classroom and industry well before students graduate,” Banafa said. “With resources such as ServiceNow at their fingertips, they have the foundation. They are prepared for the only constant in Silicon Valley: change.”
ServiceNow counts more than 150 academic partners in more than 30 countries, all operating at no charge to the institutions or their students. SFBU has also formalized partnerships with companies IBM and AMD to introduce more industry technologies, resources and learning opportunities into student experiences.
“SFBU is delighted to partner with ServiceNow. This partnership is another example of how SFBU leverages our Silicon Valley location to ensure our graduates enter the profession with current and relevant skills, ready to add value on day one,” said SFBU Provost Brad Fuster.
SFBU students had the opportunity to attend the ServiceNow now[dev]26 conference at the San Jose Convention Center, held November 4–5.
"The Agentic Era is rapidly growing, and I'm glad I spent some time at the ServiceNow conference exploring the latest tools, expanding my understanding, and learning how to build AI assistants from idea to implementation. Thank you Professor Ahmed Banafa," said Celestial Bimpomaah Afrane, SFBU student.
About San Francisco Bay University
San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) creates accessible learning opportunities that prepare diverse undergraduates and graduate students for lifelong personal and professional success. Through high-quality, career-focused programs in psychology, business, computer science and engineering, SFBU is building an international model for higher education in service of the common good.
The SFBU campus in Fremont, Calif., captures the entrepreneurial and technology-forward spirit of Silicon Valley. By integrating cutting-edge technology, real-world learning experiences and personalized support, SFBU equips students for leadership. Its affordable tuition, range of scholarships and streamlined application process dismantle traditional barriers and welcome new generations of learners.
As part of SFBU’s holistic commitment to excellence, its Center for Empowerment and Pedagogical Innovation trains faculty in best pedagogical practices while generative artificial intelligence spans the curricula. The university is a member of the College-in-3 Exchange and developed an initial trio of three-year bachelor’s programs and MBA Pro+, introduced in 2026.
SFBU students graduate with a cultivated set of industry-aligned competencies, identified and refined in collaboration with the Silicon Valley community. The student-centric core curriculum, known as the Agility Praxis Pathway, is the foundation for the university’s redefined undergraduate teaching and learning practices. SFBU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
