Amazon Web Services (AWS) has continued to expand its presence and investment in communities across the United States, with a focus on economic development, education, and local engagement.
In eastern Oregon, AWS has operated data centers since 2011. The company reports that its activities have contributed $39.2 billion to the local economy and supported 8,320 full-time equivalent jobs annually. Torrie Griggs, chief executive officer of the Boardman Chamber of Commerce, said, “AWS has been a strong partner in the growth and success of eastern Oregon. Their long-term investment has helped drive our regional economy—supporting more than 8,000 jobs each year and adding over $11.8 billion to our GDP since 2012. In Morrow County, their presence means good-paying local jobs, reliable tax revenue, and funding that directly impacts our schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. These are real impacts that make a difference for the people who live and work here.”
In Ohio, Amazon’s ongoing investment includes $6.2 billion in cloud computing infrastructure in New Albany since 2015. This has contributed $1.4 billion to Licking County’s gross domestic product (GDP) so far and supports more than 1,500 local jobs each year. New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding stated: “AWS has become a strong and valued partner in New Albany. Your presence here brings world-class technology and infrastructure, but even more importantly, a deep commitment to community impact.”
At an event hosted by the New Albany Chamber of Commerce with AWS representatives as well as state and local leaders present, several new community initiatives were announced:
– A $200,000 investment in New Albany’s Fieldhouse and Community Center will fund an Amazon Think Big Space—a STEM lab for students.
– The Amazon Community Fund for Central Ohio will provide $100,000 in micro-grants for grassroots projects focused on STEM education, sustainability, skills training, and social impact.
– A $50,000 contribution was made to the New Albany Community Foundation to support its Lecture Series.
Statewide in Ohio over the past decade Amazon invested more than $19.7 billion into cloud computing infrastructure which added $6.2 billion to GDP while supporting nearly 6,500 jobs annually.
The company’s community grant programs have also played a role in supporting local initiatives elsewhere. In eastern Oregon through the Amazon Eastern Oregon Community Fund—29 projects have received support ranging from classroom coding programs to health initiatives.
Jorge Carrillo of Amazon said: “What makes these projects so powerful is how they’re designed by people who deeply understand their communities’ challenges.” Stefanie Spivey at Heppner Jr/Sr High School noted how access to comprehensive materials improved learning outcomes: “Having the tools we need to really code for a purpose allows students to excel in their growth.”
To address workforce needs related to data center operations in Georgia technical colleges such as Southern Crescent Technical College offered free two-day fiber optic installation courses sponsored by AWS partners like Sumitomo Electric Lightwave. Instructor Dwayne Holst commented: “It’s basically an existential moment in technical history… There’s a huge need for skilled labor and Amazon is trying to be proactive.” Kesha Cole—a participant—said after completing training: “If you had to ask me right now,’Hey could you do a splice for me?’ I could do it… I think that had a lot to do with the professor being hands-on with us.”
Amazon launched two new community funds totaling $400,000 for Douglas County as well as Butts and Newton Counties in Georgia offering microgrants up to $10,000 for neighborhood improvement ideas focusing on areas such as STEM education or digital skills development.
Afrika Alsup from Amazon said: “The most meaningful community solutions come from people with deep roots and firsthand knowledge of local needs… When we empower local voices,everyone benefits.”
In Central Ohio alone,$100 ,000 was awarded through micro-grants supporting organizations like Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW). Carolyn Jackson from Amazon stated:”At Amazon,we’re passionate about elevating grassroots organizations doing vital work in our communities… Through targeted micro-grants,we’re helping bring local dreams to reality by providing resources directly where they’ll make the most difference.” Laura Fay from FLOW added:”This funding has been so helpful in increasing urban green space that we have… These funds allowed us create an outdoor classroom for our youngest residents that will only get better over time.”
At this year’s AWS Summit held June 10 at Washington DC’s Walter E.Washington Convention Center,Northern Virginia Community College graduates from AWS Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship program received surprise job offers from Amazon or its partners.Seventeen-year-old Shakyra Hill said,”This is very happy moment for me.I feel amazing especially as woman…I feel like more women should definitely come try it out.” Summit attendees also packed over 2 ,000 backpacks filled with school supplies alongside Prince William County Community Foundation volunteers.
Other educational partnerships include hosting Spring Break STEM camps with Hayward Unified School District(HUSD)and iDTech serving underserved youth ages seven through seventeen.The weeklong camp provided hands-on experiences such as VR game design,coding,and robotics;all participants reported learning something new about technology careers.Amazon mentors participated via” Lunch with an Amazonian” sessions.More than half of participants were young women exploring STEM fields.
Additionally,in Loudoun County Public Schools(Virginia),four new Think Big Corners opened at elementary schools equipped with technology including 3D printers.Darielle Timothy from LCPS remarked,”LCPS and its Science office are thrilled partner with Amazon developing Think Big Corners.This initiative,a collaborative effort between four elementary schools aims enhance STEM learning experiences all students…” A mobile version—the Think Big Mobile Van—will travel throughout Northern Virginia expanding access further.
