Cognizant On Track to Hire 1,500 U.S. College Graduates in 2026 to Power AI-Era Workforce

About this update from Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation

Company expands U.S. early-career programs across university partners, apprenticeships, and frontier engineering to build the next generation of American AI talent TEANECK, N.J., July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced it is on track to hire 1,500 college graduates in the United States by the end of 2026, deepening its commitment to building homegrown AI talent and strengthening the American technology workforce. The hires span Cognizant's core technology services business, its Belcan engineering subsidiary, and a new Frontier Engineers talent program designed to attract top technical graduates into accelerated roles at the forefront of enterprise AI. The announcement underscores Cognizant's broader strategy to invest in U.S. talent at scale during a pivotal moment in the AI transition. Globally, the company has hired approximately 27,000 campus graduates since 2025. The U.S. class of 1,500 in 2026 reflects the company's accelerating domestic commitment, supported by an expanded hub strategy with recruiting, training, and office engagement across multiple U.S. locations. " America's next generation of technologists will define how AI gets built, deployed, and governed ,"  said Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant. "Hiring 1,500 college graduates in the United States this year is both a workforce investment and a statement of confidence in American talent and a recognition that the AI-builder ramp-up begins on campus. We are equipping these graduates with the skills, mentorship, and real-world experience to become the backbone of the AI economy." A Continuum of Campus Programs Cognizant engages students across nearly every stage of their academic journey, with active recruiter and mentor presence at more than 40 U.S. universities. The company's signature programs include: Fusion Internship: Cognizant's flagship internship offers an AI-enabled, experiential model featuring cohort hubs across major North American cities and meaningful project-based work. The program begins with a Week 1 culture-building onboarding in Denver and includes an AI Leadership Speaker Series, hands-on use of AI tools, and structured mentorship. Interns conclude with final presentations highlighting their contributions. The program is designed to serve as a key pathway to full-time hiring as Cognizant continues to expand early-career conversion outcomes. Fusion was named to Vault's 2026 Best Internships list. Ignite & Elevate: Ignite engages first-year students through early career exploration, professional development, and exposure to Cognizant's culture and opportunities. Elevate extends this journey for sophomore students with structured skill-building, mentorship, and targeted preparation for internship pathways, strengthening the pipeline into Cognizant's early-career programs.

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