Amazon Announces $100M Initiative To Close The Digital Divide

Amazon is stepping up its efforts to close the digital divide with the launch of its AWS Education Equity Initiative, as first reported by Fortune.

The program commits $100 million over the next five years to support underserved and underrepresented communities in accessing educational technology.

Breaking Barriers With Cloud and AI

The initiative, funded through AWS cloud credits, will help educational organizations create and expand digital learning opportunities. 

Swami Sivasubramanian, AWS Vice President of AI and Data, emphasized to Fortune that AI is a transformative tool, likening its significance to the arrival of the internet. 

“Education and opportunity should be available to everyone,” he stated, highlighting the importance of breaking down technological barriers.

Organizations like Tangible Africa and Code.org, long-time Amazon collaborators, are set to scale their efforts.  Code.org, for instance, plans to enhance its AI-powered teaching assistant, bringing more advanced learning tools to classrooms globally.

Closing the Digital Divide

The initiative comes as millions of families in the US, particularly in underserved communities, lack access to essential digital tools. 

This gap impacts students’ ability to participate in remote learning, complete assignments, and envision tech-driven career paths. 

With AI skills increasingly valued across industries, Amazon aims to ensure equitable access to education technology.

Applications for the AWS Education Equity Initiative are now open, giving organizations the chance to use this funding to deliver transformative educational outcomes.

Feature Image Credit: AWS