Amazon Web Services Scholarship
Summary
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Skills Scholarship expanded opportunities for California Community College students to pursue cloud computing careers. Supported by a charitable contribution from AWS, the scholarship offset non-academic costs—such as books, technology, transportation, and living expenses—for students enrolled in the AWS Cloud Skill Pilot Program.
Administered by the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the scholarship helped students complete Associates Degrees, earn industry-recognized certifications, and participate in work-based learning experiences.
History of the Program
Launched in 2022, the AWS Cloud Skills Scholarship reflected a collaborative effort between AWS, FoundationCCC, and the Chancellor’s Office to strengthen pathways to cloud-related careers. A total of $112,500 was committed to support students during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years.
The program built on the momentum of the AWS Cloud Skills Pilot Program, which provided hands-on experience with cloud technologies while aligning coursework with industry standards.
“Learning Cloud Skills is costly. While I may have been able to get through a course or two without this scholarship, I would not have portfolio projects, AWS Certifications, or the resources needed to showcase my skills…I am extremely grateful for every dollar awarded.”
Santa Monica College Student
Our Work’s Legacy
The scholarship is more than financial aid—it empowered students to persist in college, gain confidence, and prepare for meaningful careers in IT, networking, and cloud computing.
By reducing financial strain, students were free to focus on their coursework, build professional portfolios, and pursue industry certifications that strengthened their competitiveness in the job market.
“The AWS Award gave me hope, determination, security, and most of all, confidence. It gave me a home, water, electricity, internet, and the ability to stay enrolled in school.”
Karen H-M, Cerro Coso Community College
Impact by the Numbers
$112,500k
in total scholarship funds was
made available (FY23-FY24)
68
students supported in FY23
45
students supported in FY24
3
California Community Colleges engaged
- Cerro Coso Community College
- Santa Ana College
- Santa Monica College
Building the Future
The AWS Cloud Skills Scholarship showed what is possible when financial support and industry-aligned learning come together. Looking ahead, the Chancellor’s Office, FoundationCCC, and AWS are committed to building on this foundation by:
- Expanding access to more community colleges across California.
- Aligning with workforce needs to ensure students gained skills that lead directly to high-demand jobs.
- Centering student voices to continue shaping scholarship design and support services.
By scaling what works, this initiative helped more students thrive in California’s digital economy and ensured the state’s workforce is prepared for the future of technology.