July 10, 2025 3:18 PM
Amazon partners with Georgia technical colleges to offer fiber optic training courses
At two Georgia technical colleges, students aren't just learning what it takes to build data centers, they're building confidence.
"It's a very lucrative job. It's a very interesting job, and anybody can do it," said fiber optic fusion splicing instructor Dwayne Holst with Sumitomo Electric Lightwave.
To meet the increasing demand for skilled workers who can install and maintain the complex fiber optic networks that power data centers, AWS hosted dozens of local students in a free two-day training course of fiber optic installation and repair.
"It's basically an existential moment in technical history," said Holst. "There's a huge need for skilled labor and Amazon is trying to be proactive."
Kesha Cole is trying to be proactive too. She's been in the airline industry for more than 25 years and brought her nephew along.
"I definitely see tech as future," said Cole. After all, much like the airplanes she deals with, data centers are also taking off. "I'm seriously considering how I can build a career around it."
Cole knew nothing about fiber optic splicing before taking the courses. When she recently had fiber optic internet installed in her home, she thought, "I could never do that. That's too many wires."
But then, she spent two days learning all about them at Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, Georgia.
"If you had to ask me right now, 'Hey could you do a splice for me?' I could do it," Cole said confidently. "I think that had a lot to do with the professor being hands-on with us. He was right there with us the entire time."
Days later, the instructors were back helping other students build confidence at West Georgia Technical College in Douglasville, Georgia.
"There are three requirements that the contractors are looking for to get somebody into the job. The number one requirement they have is are you dependable?" explained Holst. "Two, are you willing to work? Three, are you willing to learn?"
"The Douglas County community really seems very excited that this project is here and is starting," said Kristen Buoy, the vice president of academic affairs at West Georgia Technical College. "We hope to build some programming around other needs with AWS as AWS continues to build out the facility."
July 8, 2025 1:33 PM
Amazon launches community grant applications to support Georgia counties
Amazon is investing in the heart of Georgia communities with the launch of two new community funds totaling $400,000. Applications are now open for the Amazon Douglas County Community Fund and the Amazon Butts and Newton Counties Community Fund, designed to empower local change makers as part of the broader infrastructure investment in Georgia.
Both funds offer microgrants ranging from $500 to $10,000 for individuals, schools, non-profits, and community organizations to bring their neighborhood improvement ideas to life. Projects can focus on STEM education, affordable housing, food insecurity, sustainability, or digital skills development.
"The most meaningful community solutions come from people with deep roots and firsthand knowledge of local needs," said Afrika Alsup, Amazon community engagement manager. "These funds put resources directly into the hands of grassroots leaders who can create lasting positive change in their neighborhoods. When we empower local voices, everyone benefits."
The funds will be administered by ChangeX, a nonprofit organization that helps citizens lead impactful neighborhood projects. Successful applicants will participate in a 30-day challenge with mentorship and resources to kick-start their ideas. Information sessions will be offered to interested applicants from all three counties. Applications remain open through August 27, 2025.
The Amazon Community Fund is just one way Amazon is striving to make a positive impact in Georgia. Amazon has sponsored several STEM experiences and community projects thus far, including the SOOFA Ranch BeeSmart program, the Taste of Douglasville event, and a partnership with Goodr to bring a new community mini-market to the area.
Additionally, Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently launched initiatives in Georgia this year to provide free tech skills training through no-cost programs such as the AWS Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certification Courses and Workshops at Southern Crescent Technical College and West Georgia Technical College.
June 30, 2025 11:31 AM
Amazon funds 19 Central Ohio projects and opens new round of applications
Amazon awarded $100,000 in grants to 19 community projects through the Amazon Central Ohio Community Fund while opening applications for the next round. These micro-grants support local visionaries driving meaningful change in communities where Amazon operates.
"At Amazon, we're passionate about elevating grassroots organizations doing vital work in our communities," said Carolyn Jackson, Amazon Community Engagement Manager. "Through targeted micro-grants, we're helping bring local dreams to reality by providing resources directly where they'll make the most difference."
The Central Ohio grants focus on STEM education, sustainability, and digital skills. Among recipients, Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) is creating outdoor classrooms at Valley Forge Elementary School featuring native plants and educational seating.
“This funding has been so helpful in increasing the urban green space that we have in the Olentangy Watershed," said Laura Fay, FLOW Science Committee Chair. "These funds allowed us to create an outdoor classroom for our youngest residents that will only get better over time."
Similarly, Hilliard Food Pantry Plus will expand its Share Closet program, adding an extra operating day and improving storage.
"Thanks to funding from the Central Ohio Community Fund, our Share Closet Manager is now able to dedicate full-time attention to the Share Closet," said Erin West, Hilliard Food Pantry executive director. "This support is strengthening our organization's overall ability to serve the community."
Starting today, the next round of the Amazon Central Ohio Community Fund focused in Franklin and Licking Counties is accepting applications until August 1, 2025. Nonprofits can apply for grants up to $10,000, while individuals and community groups can request up to $5,000. These investments complement Amazon's other Ohio initiatives in our data center communities including Think Big Experiences, tree planting events, and workforce development programs in fiber optic technology.
June 12, 2025 11:28 AM
AWS Summit Washington, DC delivers life-changing job offers and 3,000 backpacks for local students in Northern Virginia
The AWS Summit in Washington, DC transformed into more than a tech conference on June 10, surprising 22 graduates with career opportunities and supporting local students through a backpack initiative at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
In an emotional highlight of the event, graduates of Northern Virginia Community College's AWS Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship (I2PA) program received surprise full-time job offers from Amazon and its partners. The graduates, now have access to technical careers with salaries that can significantly improve their families' financial futures.
"This is a very happy moment for me. I feel amazing, especially as a woman... I feel like more women should definitely come in and try it out," said Shakyra Hill, I2PA graduate. "I was introduced to this program through my mother and brother... When they came back around, I knew I wanted to be a part of it."
Simultaneously, Summit attendees participated in a backpack assembly project. Together, they packed over more than 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for Prince William County students, working in partnership with the Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF). This initiative is part of a larger push to support the official 2025 Back-to-School Community Event.
"Parents spend over $500 preparing their kids to go back to school, so the backpack packing initiative really helps them with essential supply costs," said Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, CEO and founder of PWCCF. "When you see the smiles on their faces... they know they have the school supplies they need."
The Summit also featured a panel discussion with community leaders highlighting Amazon's long-term local infrastructure investments. Panelists included Dr. Gattis, Randall Stamper, associate vice chancellor for Career Education and Workforce Programs, Curry Roberts, president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Jeff McCormick, AWS Virginia Operations Leader, and Mike Hammer, vice president at Clark Technologies.
These initiatives showcase the community benefits of Amazon's data center investments, creating technical careers and supporting education, training, and nonprofit partnerships.
May 27, 2025 1:20 PM
Amazon's community impact across data center communities in the US
May 27, 2025 1:18 PM
Amazon partners with Hayward schools to launch STEM spring break camp
Amazon joined forces with Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) and iDTech this spring to host an immersive Spring Break STEM Camp in Hayward, California. The initiative provided 40 students ages 7-17 from underserved and underrepresented communities with a fully sponsored opportunity to explore technology through hands-on learning experiences.
The weeklong camp offered students engaging courses including VR game design, coding, BattleBots, and 3D printing. Students also connected with Amazon mentors during special "Lunch with an Amazonian" sessions, gaining practical insights into technology careers and future possibilities.
The impact of this partnership resonated throughout the Hayward community. Every single participant reported learning something new about using technology, with students creating their own tech projects, from designing virtual reality games to building robots. The program particularly emphasized inclusion, with over half of the participants being young women exploring STEM fields.
Maya, a 9-year-old participant in the VR Game Design course, said, "This program helped me discover my passion for technology, gave me confidence in my abilities, and made me excited about all the possibilities in AI and robotics."
"We are proud to partner with Amazon and iDTech to offer this incredible opportunity to our students. This spring break camp opened doors for our underrepresented youth to explore the world of technology in a hands-on, engaging environment," said Chien Wu-Fernandez, superintendent at HUSD. "It’s partnerships like these that help us inspire future innovators and ensure every student has access to high-quality learning experiences."
The success of this spring partnership has already led to discussions about expanding technology education initiatives in Hayward. Amazon and HUSD are building a strong foundation for equitable technology education in the community. This initiative represents more than just a spring break program–it’s ensuring students in our data center communities have access to quality STEM education and the opportunity to shape the future of technology.
May 2, 2025 10:29 AM
Amazon expands STEM access in Loudoun County, Virginia with New Think Big Corners and Think Big Mobile Van
Photo by John DevaneyAmazon, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), and the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) celebrated a significant milestone in STEM education with the opening of four new Amazon Think Big Corners in elementary schools across the county. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Potowmack Elementary School on April 29 marked the official launch of these innovative learning spaces.
The Think Big Corners, now established at Potowmack, Forest Grove, Frederick Douglass, and Guilford elementary schools, are designed to provide students with hands-on STEM learning experiences. These mini labs are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including 3D printers and specialized supplies, fostering creativity and building crucial technical skills among young learners.
"LCPS and its Science office are thrilled to partner with Amazon in developing Think Big Corners. This initiative, a collaborative effort between four elementary schools and the Science office, aims to enhance STEM learning experiences for all students," said Darielle Timothy, Science Supervisor at Loudoun County Public Schools. "These dedicated spaces will facilitate additional STEM lessons and problem-based learning activities, encouraging students to devise innovative solutions to global challenges."
Photo by John DevaneyIn addition to the four Think Big Corners, Amazon introduced the first Think Big Mobile Van in the region, which will travel throughout Northern Virginia, bringing STEM education to an even broader range of students. The mobile platform will visit schools and community events, ensuring that more children have access to these valuable learning opportunities regardless of their location.
The initiative builds upon the success of the Amazon Think Big Space launched at Simpson Middle School in Leesburg, VA in 2022, which continues to serve as a computer science training hub for teachers and a creative learning environment for all students. As part of its commitment to empowering educators, Amazon will host in-person training sessions for teachers in these workspaces, as well as creative workshops for students.
This comprehensive approach ensures that both students and teachers have the support and resources they need to succeed in STEM education. These new Think Big Corners and the Think Big Mobile Van reflect Amazon's ongoing dedication to building meaningful community partnerships, supporting educators, and providing equitable access to STEM learning opportunities for all students in Northern Virginia.
