AWS and Community Outreach

Making a positive impact around the world with AWS InCommunities

Overview

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is committed to making a positive difference around the world. Whether it’s using technology to solve the world’s most pressing issues, or through employees donating their time to support causes they care about, we want to build a world where every person has the opportunity to live an authentic life with dignity and possibility on a healthy planet.

To benefit our communities in regions where we build and operate our global infrastructure, we established a program called AWS InCommunities. AWS InCommunities launches long-term, innovative programs that will have a lasting impact in our regions around the world where we work, live, and raise our families. We’re obsessed with being good neighbors, so we start by working closely with the community to best represent their interests and needs inside AWS.

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How AWS InCommunities is committed to making a difference

There are four pillars that anchor the work of AWS InCommunities: STEM Education, Local Skills Development, Sustainability and Hyperlocal Social Impact. Our pillars direct how we make a difference and positively serve our communities.

AWS InCommunities prioritizes a number of initiatives to help create the next generation of creative thinkers and future builders in the communities where we have a physical presence. Our efforts are aimed at providing equitable STEM education, integrating creative thinking, and welcoming all learners, including those that have long been underrepresented, and empowering them to pursue careers in STEM fields.

To build a vibrant pipeline of talent skilled in cloud computing, AWS invests in developing people in the local community. We’ve partnered with local education organizations to create development and upskilling programs aimed at both students and individuals entering the workforce to connect them with internships and careers in our data centers and across AWS. Our objective is for new professionals specialized in cloud technology to be fully prepared to enter the job market and contribute to the local economy.

Amazon is on a path to powering our operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025, as part of our commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. To support these sustainability efforts, AWS InCommunities has partnered with local education organizations and nonprofit groups that share our passion for a greener planet. Through our sponsorship of long-term environmental projects, we collectively work together to get to net zero and more importantly, improve the livelihoods of local communities.

AWS InCommunities is committed to improving the livelihoods of our local communities in locations where we have infrastructure. We partner with nonprofits and community organizations, and use our resources, people, and passion for innovation to address local issues and challenges. Our efforts have supported communities during natural disasters, addressed resource shortages at schools and healthcare facilities, and providing training opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Global Signature Programs

AWS 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

AWS Girls’ Tech Series is a learning experience which inspires and motivates girls and young women between the ages of 8-24 to pursue interests and careers in technology. It encourages future female innovators to Think Big and ignite their imaginations through STEM, as well as participate in fun and engaging workshops and explore exciting career paths in technology.

Learn more

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Think Big Space

AWS Think Big Spaces provide a place beyond the standard classroom for students to explore and cultivate an interest in STEM and STEM related careers. These labs encourage a hands-on approach where students Think Big to solve real-world problems.

Learn more

Learn about our most recent community initiatives

Providing Healthy, Fresh Food to the Community when They Need it Most

In an AWS InCommunities first, 15 South Bend builders recently joined the Mishawaka Food Pantry, assisting in its mission to provide healthy, fresh foods to the local community.

The team helped by clearing garden space, organizing donations, and assisting customers with their food shopping needs. Following this successful first contribution, our teams will now volunteer every month at the Mishawaka Food Pantry. We look forward to building lasting relationships within the community and supporting the wider region’s food security needs.

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

AWS InCommunities recently hosted its annual Girls’ Tech Day at COSI in Columbus, empowering over 800 girls from central Ohio to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. Launched by AWS in 2018, Girls’ Tech Day has engaged more than 21,000 girls worldwide, addressing the need for increased female representation in STEM. This year’s event included hands-on activities like coding robots, designing catapults, and exploring streaming with Twitch experts.

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

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AWS Community Fund in Calgary

As part of its commitment to support communities where it has presence, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is investing another CA $175,000 into the AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund to continue the program for a second consecutive year.

The program helps individuals, local community groups, schools, nonprofits and other Calgary-area organizations with micro-grants ranging up to $10,000 to launch or expand grassroots initiatives that have a lasting, positive impact.

Learn more about our community fund here.

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AWS InCommunities Cape Town recently hosted a series of STEM programs to unite builders, senior leaders, and local community members.

We began with two Python boot camps in Cape Town during the school holidays. Each three day bootcamp hosted 25 learners where they received Python basics training from the International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL). Our volunteers shared their career experiences and insights into tech opportunities, and the sessions included a visit to the AWS Skills Center in Cape Town.

We also partnered with the Leva Foundation in Cape Town and Johannesburg for the Tangible Coding Tournament, engaging over 30,000 learners nationwide in coding and robotics challenges.

In addition, our team visited the LEAP Langa School to see firsthand the impact AWS 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.

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AWS's Commitment to Water Positivity and Ecological Restoration

The AWS Water Team launched the Ertaizi Village River Ecological Restoration and Water Quality Assurance Project as part of AWS's broader water positivity efforts in China. Supported by AWS InCommunities volunteers, the project focuses on addressing agricultural pollution and improving rainwater runoff to enhance biodiversity and ecological connectivity, while also supporting rural revitalization and eco-tourism.

With an annual goal to purify 48,000 m³ of rainwater, 15 volunteers joined efforts to plant over 120 native plants, contributing to local environmental health, job creation, and regional economic growth.

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