Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a bold $100 million commitment to support underserved students around the world, helping them acquire critical skills in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, literacy, and more. Through the AWS Education Equity Initiative, the company aims to provide education organizations with cloud technology and resources to create innovative digital learning solutions for underrepresented communities.
In a world where digital skills are increasingly essential, AWS is working to ensure all students have access to career-advancing opportunities. The $100 million investment, spread over the next five years, will offer qualifying educational organizations cloud credits to build or expand digital learning initiatives. These credits, which function like cash, can be used to offset the cost of using AWS’s robust cloud services, including cutting-edge AI and machine learning tools.
Building the Future of Education
With AWS’s cloud technology and expertise, recipients of the Education Equity Initiative will develop and deploy digital learning experiences, such as AI-powered assistants, coding curriculums, student learning platforms, mobile apps, and more. In addition to the cloud credits, AWS will provide hands-on support through its Solution Architects, offering guidance on cloud architecture, responsible AI implementation, and long-term optimization.
“Access to the right tools and technologies can change the trajectory of students’ lives,” said AWS representatives. “By providing educational organizations with the resources they need to create scalable digital solutions, we’re opening doors to a brighter future for learners in underserved communities.”
Success Stories in Digital Learning
The AWS Education Equity Initiative is already making an impact. AWS is collaborating with over 50 organizations across 10 countries to bring digital learning to underserved communities. Some standout projects include:
- Code.org: This nonprofit, which promotes computer science and AI education for K-12 students, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups, will use AWS cloud credits to scale its AI Teaching Assistant. Powered by Amazon Bedrock, this tool has already halved the time teachers spend assessing coding projects, giving them more opportunities to engage directly with students.
- Rocket Learning: Based in India, Rocket Learning leverages AWS to deliver early childhood education to underserved children. By using Amazon Q in AWS QuickSight, Rocket Learning analyzes content effectiveness across diverse regions, optimizing educational resources delivered via video and WhatsApp.
- Tangible Africa: Aiming to teach coding skills to children in South Africa, Tangible Africa will extend its curriculum to 10,000 learners and 120 teachers in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, thanks to AWS cloud support.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
The AWS Education Equity Initiative builds on AWS’s long-standing efforts to increase access to education. Through its Amazon Future Engineer program, AWS has already provided over 17 million hours of STEM, literacy, and career development courses to more than 2 million students in underserved communities. Additionally, AWS’s AI and ML Scholarship Program has awarded $28 million in scholarships to nearly 6,000 students to support their pursuit of AI careers.
With the new Education Equity Initiative, AWS is deepening its commitment to bridging the digital divide, ensuring more students gain access to the skills and resources necessary to succeed in today’s tech-driven world.
By empowering education organizations with the tools to create inclusive digital learning solutions, AWS is helping to level the playing field for students who have traditionally been left behind in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
This initiative not only promises to enhance education for underserved communities but also positions AWS as a leader in social responsibility within the tech sector.
