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 will the AWS Education Equity Initiative ensure that the tools and resources provided are effectively utilized to create equitable learning experiences for all, particularly in light of the findings mentioned in “Education equity and the digital divide”? [[1](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228616386_Education_equity_and_the_digital_divide)]
## Bridging the Digital Divide: An Interview with Swami Sivasubramanian
Joining us today is Swami Sivasubramanian, Vice President of Data and AI at Amazon Web Services. Swami, thanks for being here.
**Swami:** It’s my pleasure.
**Interviewer:** AWS recently made a significant announcement regarding educational equity. Can you tell us more about the ”AWS Education Equity Initiative”?
**Swami:** Absolutely. This initiative reflects our deep belief that everyone deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. We’re committing $100 million to support organizations globally in developing and delivering equitable digital learning solutions for underserved learners. This is about bridging the digital divide and empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century.
**Interviewer:** This $100 million is a substantial investment. What specific types of programs will the initiative support?
**Swami:** We envision a wide range of initiatives. This could include developing innovative educational content, providing access to technology and internet connectivity in underserved communities, training educators in digital literacy, and supporting research on effective digital learning strategies.
**Interviewer:** This isn’t AWS’s first foray into education. You already offer free cloud skills training and AI training. How does this new initiative build upon your existing efforts?
**Swami:** You’re right, we’ve long been committed to expanding learning opportunities through our free training programs. This initiative takes our commitment to the next level. We recognize that simply providing access to technology isn’t enough. We need to ensure that the tools and resources are effectively utilized to create equitable learning experiences for all.
**Interviewer:** This is a crucial issue, particularly considering the research on the digital divide and its impact on educational equity, as highlighted in studies like “Education equity and the digital divide.” [[1](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228616386_Education_equity_and_the_digital_divide)].
**Swami:** We couldn’t agree more. This initiative is driven by a recognition of the urgent need to address these disparities. We believe that by working collaboratively with educators, policymakers, and community leaders, we can create a future where access to quality education is truly equitable.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Swami, for sharing your insights. This is truly an inspiring initiative.
