Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced the Student Rewards program on the AWS Builder Center platform, designed to bolster the digital skills of higher education students globally. Open to students over the age of 18, the initiative provides one year of free access to more than 900 online courses focusing on cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Gamified Learning and Rewards
The program utilizes a gamified approach to encourage community engagement. By contributing technical articles, commenting, and earning digital badges, students can unlock tiered rewards:
- 7 badges: $10 in AWS credits.
- 14 badges: An additional $20 in credits.
- 21 badges: A $100 voucher for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.
The total value of the benefit package reaches $579, offering a pathway to professional certification at no cost. Kim Majerus, VP for Global Education at AWS, emphasized that the program aims to help students move beyond theory by providing access to workshops and credits for building real-world projects.
Impact and Global Reach
Students in over 60 countries, including Greece, can access the program by verifying their student status via SheerID at builder.aws.com. The initiative also supports AWS Student Builder Groups—student-led communities focused on technological collaboration. This program is part of a larger $500 million global commitment by AWS to address the rising market demand for cloud and AI-literate professionals, ensuring that graduates possess the specific skills employers are currently seeking.
