Bridging the Digital Divide: AWS Invests $100 Million to Support Underserved Learners
Swami Sivasubramanian, Vice President, Data and AI
At its annual re:Invent 2024 event, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of the “AWS Education Equity Initiative.” This $100 million initiative aims to support organizations globally in creating and delivering equitable digital learning solutions for underserved learners.
“We believe that educational opportunities should be available to everyone, and we believe our role is to invest heavily where we can and to help the ecosystem become stronger,” said Tom Berry, Senior Manager of Social Responsibility at AWS, in an interview. “We believe that all of our previous and new commitments are about democratizing access to technology for those closest to where the inequities occur” AWS is committed to expanding learning opportunities for students.
In a keynote speech at the event,AWS Vice President of Data and AI, Swami Sivasubramanian, highlighted the importance of education and the need to leverage technology for broader access. AWS already provides free cloud skills training and AI skills training to learners from diverse backgrounds, having reached over 2 million learners with free AI skills training worldwide. Driving thisgle, it aims to provide cloud skills training to 29 million people.
The new initiative addresses the gap Berry identified during training programs.
“There are people who have credible ideas for experience using technology, but lack the resources. On top of that, they may lack crucial technical advice.” Recognizing this, she articulated the program’s purpose saying, “Through this program, AWS aims to enable organsations, notably non-profits with solutions that help them achieve their missions.
The program offers cloud credits to eligible organizations, including non-profits, education-focused organizations, and governments working to expand access to disadvantaged learning for underserved learners.
Organizations can leverage these credits to build AI assistants, adapt learning platforms for diverse needs, develop student platforms, educational apps, and more. In addition to the funding, AWS is dedicated to providing technical guidance.
Bridging the educational gap with AI
AWS currently partners with over 50 organizations in 10 countries to facilitate access to digital learning solutions in diverse communities. For example, AWS collaborated with Code.org, an organization focused on computer science and AI education for students across grade levels. This collaboration led to the development of an AI assistant for teachers, built on Amazon Bedrock. This platform empowers developers to build generative AI applications using AWS cloud credits. The
How does AWS plan to use the $100 million Education Equity Initiative to support digital learning solutions for underserved learners?
## Bridging the Digital Divide: An Interview with Swami Sivasubramanian
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re focusing on a critical issue: equitable access to education in the digital age. Joining me is Swami Sivasubramanian, Vice President of Data and AI at Amazon Web Services. Swami, thank you for being here.
**Swami Sivasubramanian:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** AWS recently announced a significant $100 million initiative focused on tech education equity. Can you tell us more about this program and its goals?
**Swami Sivasubramanian:** Absolutely. The AWS Education Equity Initiative is about leveling the playing field in education by providing underserved learners with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a tech-driven world. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. This initiative will provide organizations globally with cloud credits, essentially acting like cash, to support the development and delivery of equitable digital learning solutions. [[1](https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/aws-pledges-100-million-in-cloud-credits-for-tech-education-equity)]
**Host:** That’s a substantial investment. What inspired AWS to take this step?
**Swami Sivasubramanian:** At AWS, we believe technology has the power to transform lives. But we also recognize that access to technology isn’t equal for everyone. The digital divide is a real problem, and we want to be part of the solution. We’re committed to using our resources and expertise to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders from all walks of life.
**Host:** You mentioned digital learning solutions. What are some examples of how these cloud credits will be used?
**Swami Sivasubramanian:** The possibilities are vast! Organizations can use the credits to build online learning platforms, develop educational apps, provide access to critical software and data, and much more. The goal is to create innovative and engaging learning experiences that cater to the unique needs of underserved learners.
**Host:** This initiative builds upon AWS’s existing programs to support diverse learners. Can you tell us more about those efforts?
**Swami Sivasubramanian:** Absolutely. We’ve been actively working to democratize access to technology for years through free cloud skills training and AI skills training programs. These programs have already reached over 2 million learners from diverse backgrounds worldwide. The Education Equity Initiative is a natural extension of this commitment.
**Host:** what message do you have for young people who may be interested in pursuing careers in technology?
**Swami Sivasubramanian:** Technology is for everyone! Don’t let anything hold you back from pursuing your dreams. There are countless resources and opportunities available to support you on your journey. Believe in yourself, keep learning, and never stop innovating.
