Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a commitment of $100 million in cloud credits to help nonprofit organizations create educational tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative, part of AWS’s Education Equity Initiative, will provide support over the next five years to organizations aiming to develop innovative digital learning experiences for underserved communities.

Tom Berry, the leader of AWS’s Social Impact and Responsibility team, emphasized that this initiative marks a change in approach. “In the past, we’ve focused on building programs that train teachers and students directly. However, we now recognize that the organizations best situated to impact underserved learners are those already working on the ground in these communities,” Berry explained.

Through this program, AWS plans to support hundreds of nonprofit organizations worldwide. The goal is to empower them with the resources to create AI-driven tools for teaching coding and other digital skills. By leveraging cloud credits and hands-on support, AWS hopes to build scalable, sustainable educational solutions that improve access to learning in underserved areas.

The initiative already has a proven track record through its pilot program, which included 50 organizations from 10 countries. One of the pilot participants is Rocket Learning, an India-based nonprofit focused on improving early childhood education. Rocket Learning is using AWS QuickSight and Amazon Q to evaluate and refine its educational content, ensuring its effectiveness in underserved communities.

Another key partner is Code.org, a nonprofit that focuses on bringing computer science education to K-12 schools. Karim Meghji, Code.org's Chief Product Officer, discussed the challenges faced by many educators. “Many teachers new to computer science lack the confidence and training to teach it effectively,” Meghji said. “Our new AI-powered teaching assistant aims to help these teachers manage coding projects and guide their students through the learning process.”

The $100 million in cloud credits also includes hands-on support to assist these organizations in scaling their applications. AWS will help these nonprofits build and expand their tools, providing the resources necessary to ensure that their solutions have a long-lasting impact.

By supporting nonprofits with cloud credits and technical expertise, AWS’s initiative is aimed at reducing the digital divide and improving digital literacy in underserved communities. The combination of AWS’s cloud infrastructure and AI tools will enable these organizations to create educational solutions that make learning more accessible and equitable.

Through the Education Equity Initiative, AWS is laying the foundation for future generations to acquire critical skills in a digital world. The program promises to revolutionize the way underserved communities access education and provide them with the tools needed for success in today’s technology-driven economy.

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