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: STEAM Education, Local Skills Development, Sustainability and Hyperlocal Social Impact. Our pillars direct how we make a difference and positively serve our communities.

To help create the next generation of creative thinkers and future builders, AWS InCommunities provides students and families with innovative and engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) learning opportunities and pathways. Our efforts are aimed at providing equitable STEAM education and access by welcoming learners that have long been underrepresented in these fields and empowering them to pursue careers in STEAM.

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 STEAM education opportunities in fun and imaginative ways. We are intentional about adding the “A” to “STEM” because we know that the arts help build future-ready students who develop into well-rounded and creative problem solvers.  

Girls' Tech Day

AWS Girls' Tech Day is a program that aims to educate, inspire, and empower girls and young women aged 8 to 24 to pursue careers in technology. It encourages future female builders to Think Big and ignite their imaginations through STEAM, as well as participate in fun and engaging workshops and explore exciting career paths in technology.

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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 STEAM and STEAM related careers. These labs encourage a hands-on approach where students think big to solve real-world problems.

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Learn about our most recent community initiatives

Expanding Learning Opportunities in Hyderabad with Newly Renovated Education Spaces

We recently inaugurated a renovated pre-primary school and a newly constructed community library in Kandukur Mandal, Rangareddy district, Telangana. With these facilities, we aim to provide over 500 children, women, and young people in the community with the resources they need to learn, grow, and explore new career paths.
 

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AWS Celebrates Arbor Day by Planting Trees with Eastern Oregon Communities

This Arbor Day, we partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation and communities in Boardman, Umatilla, and Hermiston, Eastern Oregon, for a local tree planting project.

This initiative aims to enrich the local tree canopy and promote biodiversity with many such events planned over the next few weeks.

Dave Stockdale, city manager of Umatilla, shared his enthusiasm: "We were thrilled when AWS and Arbor Day Foundation approached us about a tree planting initiative. Umatilla takes great pride in cultivating and maintaining trees that enhance our community's landscape. This Arbor Day celebration allowed us to highlight the positive impact trees have on our environment and public spaces."

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AWS InCommunities Supports Aragón in Local STEAM and Economic Development Projects

Since 2022, we've initiated two Economic Social Funds in Aragón, totaling €264,000. These funds aim to bolster local projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education, as well as initiatives focused on enhancing employment, inclusion, and sustainability.

Our efforts have positively impacted over 5,400 individuals in Aragón, improving digital skills, employability, and sustainability across the region.

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How AWS InCommunities is Fueling Local Innovation and Sustainability in Frankfurt

The AWS InCommunities fund has been launched to support local programs and ideas that make a positive impact across education, digital skills, and sustainability efforts in Frankfurt, Germany.

Our €100,000 fund has already helped launch and expand over 10 community projects. We invited representatives from these projects to attend a Get Together event to celebrate their incredible work and the meaningful contributions they’ve made to society.

To continue our efforts in supporting these non-profits and the work they are doing in their neighbourhood, we have collaborated with ChangeX. This partnership utilizes ChangeX's community engagement platform, designed to give citizens direct access to the funding and resources they need.

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Ensuring Community Well-being through Clean Water and Health projects across the Karawang regency

Our programs in Indonesia are focused on creating meaningful impact in villages near our infrastructure locations through initiatives focused on clean water, health, sanitation, and education. Our volunteers play a crucial role in supporting these efforts with their active involvement.

Recently in Karawang, Indonesia, we launched two important hyper-local projects: The Clean Water Project and The Stunting Prevention Program.Through The Clean Water Project, we introduced the seventh clean water facility equipped with a water kiosk, IoT sensors, and a user-friendly web application, providing easier access to clean water for 100 households in the area. In collaboration with Human Initiative, we rolled out The Stunting Prevention Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to support mothers, infants, and healthcare workers in improving toddler diets across 8 villages within the region.

Additionally, we've initiated volunteer projects at local schools in the regency to enhance their facilities in partnership with local government and community leaders.

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