AWS GetIT: Empowering young girls in STEM and increasing the visibility of diverse role models

As of August 2022, AWS GetIT has trained over 19,000 students across eight countries. As these students have learned how to use cloud technology and innovate, they’ve also been exposed to different types of technology careers.

The women and non-binary AWS GetIT ambassadors leading AWS GetIT are paired with schools to provide guidance and classroom support throughout the program, where they also get to hone their presentation and public speaking skills. These ambassadors have become advocates for inclusion, diversity, and equity across AWS and the tech industry, and role models to AWS GetIT’s young students as they prove that a career in technology is possible for anyone, no matter their gender, race, religion, socioeconomic status, or background.  

“Part of what makes AWS GetIT so special is our ambassadors, who are a diverse group of women in tech who have a deep commitment to helping young women amplify their voices in a field where they have too often not been heard,” Bonnet said. “These ambassadors are matched to schools to go into classrooms as role models to support young learners on their tech journey, and inspire them to imagine what is possible for their careers. Our ambassadors show them that they are many paths to a future in technology.”

The competition aspect comes after the program curriculum, where schools can submit up to two student application ideas for consideration in a country-wide competition. Teams with ideas then present to a judging panel of experts in the tech industry.

Since the program’s inception, students have designed hundreds of application ideas covering topics like school life, mental health, student support, community, and the environment.

“The AWS GetIT competition entries never fail to amaze us,” Bonnet said. “Every year, the students demonstrate their creativity and innovative thinking by designing apps for topics that are meaningful to them, their school, and their community. We hope this experience will inspire them to continue their learnings and give them the confidence that they can achieve anything.” 

AWS GetIT’s program leaders understand that learning occurs over the course of a lifetime, which is why AWS GetIT engages learners with free support wherever they are on their educational journeys. This includes AWS GetIT in addition to other programs such as AWS Academy, which provides universities with ready-to-deliver cloud curriculums, and AWS Educate, which offers free, self-paced online cloud training resources and labs.

These programs are designed to be accessible, engaging, and provide skills and training for students to succeed in the modern workforce.
 
As for people who are already working, AWS provides programs that extend beyond a classroom learning environment. AWS Skill Builder is our digital learning center with more than 600 free, self-paced digital cloud skills training courses and learning plans to help anyone—whether in a technical role or not—build cloud skills and expertise. As a person builds cloud skills, AWS Certifications offer the next step to solidify and demonstrate expertise with an industry-recognized credential. 

Learn how AWS employees are finding inspiration and meaning through their work. If you’re interested in learning about AWS career opportunities, please take a minute to join our talent network.