AWS Launches Student Rewards for Students: Badges, Credits, Certification

AWS launches Student Rewards for verified university students, offering premium access to Skill Builder, cloud credits, and exam vouchers. This program is part of a commitment of over $500 million towards education in AI and cloud, featuring a badge system and community options, without direct university partnerships.

No Direct Agreements with Universities, but Communities and AWS Academy

Rick Suttles clarifies that there are no direct partnerships between AWS and individual universities for participating students. Students wishing to join a community can create or join an AWS Student Builder group at their institution. Additionally, AWS Academy offers a free cloud computing program aimed at higher education institutions. According to Suttles, it is not enough to provide access to tools; it is essential for students to graduate with demonstrable skills to succeed in their careers. He describes success as the transition from learning to building, engaging in over 900 courses and hands-on labs from Skill Builder, joining the developer community, completing real projects, and obtaining certification.

Badges and Reward Tiers for Credits and Exam Vouchers

After verifying their higher education status and completing their profile, students can earn badges and unlock rewards. They first receive premium access to Skill Builder, which offers over 900 courses. Badges are earned by engaging on the platform. At seven badges, students receive $10 in AWS credits, followed by an additional $20 at fourteen badges. When they reach twenty-one badges, they receive a voucher for the AWS certification exam worth $100. The credits can be used to cover the costs of basic cloud infrastructure services.

Access Conditions, Scope in AI and Cloud, and Financial Commitment

AWS has established Student Rewards to provide verified university students with free training and certification opportunities. The company has allocated over $500 million in resources to promote learning in artificial intelligence and cloud computing among students currently enrolled in higher education. Verified students over the age of 18 receive access to the premium version of Skill Builder, $30 in AWS credits, and a $100 coupon to take a certification exam. The demand from employers for skills in AI and cloud computing is on the rise. Rick Suttles emphasizes that education in cloud and AI varies greatly from campus to campus, and not all students have equal access to hands-on tools. He presents Student Rewards as a way to offer the same value and access to verified students aged 18 and older, enrolled in institutions that grant degrees, licenses, or certificates.