Amazon and Community Outreach

Partnering with communities to make a difference

Overview

At Amazon, we believe in building stronger communities by supporting meaningful, long-term initiatives that create opportunities and drive positive change. Whether leveraging technology to address critical global challenges, providing resources to underserved communities, or empowering future builders through education, our goal is to make a lasting impact in the places we call home.

We work closely with local organizations, nonprofits, and community members in our data center locations to understand their needs and find ways to contribute in a way that is both thoughtful and impactful. By listening, learning, and collaborating, we strive to be a good neighbor and an active partner in fostering thriving, resilient communities.

How Amazon is committed to making a difference

Amazon’s community efforts in data center locations are guided by four key pillars: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, Local Skills Development, Sustainability, and Hyperlocal Social Impact. These focus areas shape how we support communities, drive meaningful change, and create lasting positive impact.

STEM Education

We are committed to inspiring the next generation of builders and innovators by making STEM education more accessible and inclusive. Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and educators, we provide hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and empower young minds—especially those from underserved communities—to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Local Skills Development

We invest in workforce development programs that help individuals gain the skills needed for careers in cloud computing and technology. By collaborating with local educational institutions and community organizations, we create opportunities for students, job seekers, and career changers to build in-demand skills, increasing employability and strengthening local economies.

Sustainability

Amazon is committed to operating sustainably and supporting environmental initiatives that make a tangible difference in communities. As part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge, we’re working to power our operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Through partnerships with nonprofits and local groups, we support reforestation efforts, water conservation projects, and environmental education programs that contribute to a healthier planet.

Hyperlocal Social Impact

We recognize that every community has unique challenges, and we partner with local organizations to address pressing needs—from disaster relief efforts to improve access to education, healthcare, and basic resources. By combining Amazon's expertise, technology, and volunteer support, we aim to make a real difference where it matters most.

Global Signature Programs

Amazon is dedicated to inspiring future builders, especially those from underrepresented
and underserved communities who reside in areas where we have a physical
presence. Through our Signature Programs, we help increase thousands of
students’ access to STEM education opportunities in fun and imaginative ways.

Girls' Tech Day

Girls’ Tech Series is designed to inspire young women between the ages of 8-24 to explore careers in technology. Through interactive workshops and hands-on learning, participants are encouraged to think big, develop creative problem-solving skills, and discover exciting possibilities in STEM fields.

Learn more

Think Big Space

Think Big Spaces provide students with a dedicated environment to explore, experiment, and innovate beyond traditional classrooms. These hands-on STEM labs encourage creative problem-solving and inspire students to apply technology to real-world challenges.

Learn more

Learn about our most recent community initiatives

Supporting Local Food Security in Indiana

In South Bend, Amazon volunteers joined the Mishawaka Food Pantry to support its mission of providing fresh, healthy food to those in need. Our team helped clear garden space, organize donations, and assist customers. Building on this partnership, Amazon volunteers will continue supporting the food pantry every month to help improve food security in the region.

Empowering Future Innovators: Girls’ Tech Day Inspires Central Ohio Girls to Pursue STEM Careers

At our annual Girls’ Tech Day in Columbus, Amazon welcomed over 800 students for an immersive STEM experience at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). Through engaging workshops like coding robots and designing catapults, young learners explored careers in science and technology, helping to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields.

Learn more about our efforts towards addressing the gender gap in STEM here.

Investing in Community-Led Initiatives in Calgary

Amazon is continuing its commitment to local impact through the Amazon Community Fund in Calgary. This program provides micro-grants of up to $10,000 to individuals, schools, and nonprofits working to launch or expand grassroots initiatives that drive lasting, positive change.

Learn more about our community fund here.

Contributing in Bridging the Digital Divide in South Africa

In Cape Town, Amazon hosted two Python boot camps to equip young learners with foundational programming skills. Volunteers shared career insights and introduced students to opportunities in tech. We also partnered with the Leva Foundation to engage over 30,000 students in robotics and coding challenges, expanding access to STEM education across South Africa.

Our team visited the LEAP Langa School to see the impact Amazon is making, from cloud lessons in computer labs to coding programs for young learners, highlighting our ongoing commitment to advancing STEM education and innovation in the community.

Amazon's Commitment to Water Positivity and Ecological Restoration

As part of our broader commitment to water positivity, Amazon launched the Ertaizi Village River Ecological Restoration Project in China. With support from local volunteers, the initiative focuses on reducing agricultural pollution, improving rainwater runoff, and restoring biodiversity.

Amazon teams planted 120 native plants, helping to purify an estimated 48,000 m³ of rainwater annually, while also supporting rural job creation and eco-tourism.

Learn more about how we are making a positive impact around the world

Teaching kids in South Africa to code – without computers

More than 17,000 students from underrepresented communities gained key digital skills within two months using a game app built by Tangible Africa and supported by AWS.

AWS donates $2 million to organizations in Eastern Oregon

The contribution expands the number of initiatives AWS already supports as part of our ongoing effort to invest in local communities.

First of its kind Think Big Space launches in Ireland

The AWS Think Big Space provides free Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) education and workshops for local schools and communities.

Five ways AWS data centres benefit local communities in Ireland

New Irish study shows positive impact of AWS’s investment in data centres on jobs, education, local businesses, the environment and more.

Why AWS is Proud to Call Virginia Home

Since its launch in 2006, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been constructing and operating data centers in Virginia. As AWS continues to invest in Virginia, we remain committed to strengthening the communities where we operate.

Committed to our communities: The economic impact of AWS’s $15.6 billion investment in Oregon

AWS proudly supports the communities where we operate. More than a decade ago, when AWS announced the launch of data centers in eastern Oregon, we established a long-term commitment to being an active member in the local communities.

AWS announces 6 new projects to help address water scarcity challenges

New water replenishment projects across Australia, India, Indonesia, Spain, and US will deliver 1.5 billion liters of water to local communities each year.

After I fled Afghanistan, AWS helped me build a life for my family in the U.S.

Muhammad Fardeen and his family were forced to leave Afghanistan. His talent for problem solving landed him a job at an Amazon Web Services data center that’s now paving a path for his future.

Twenty-five Social and Environmental Projects to Receive AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund

Projects include those focused on providing equal access to STEAM education and tackling food insecurity in Calgary.

Next Steps

Learn how to start using AWS in minutes

Get started