What is AWS Tech Week?

AWS Tech Week is a one of AWS InCommunities’ signature programs that seeks to inspire future builders and engage with the teachers, educators and other community mentors in their lives.
Our objective is to help students make the connection between what they are learning at school and how they will use it practically in the real world. AWS Tech Week brings learning to life for students and their teachers. Tech Week events are normally delivered in a classroom environment by way of a fun presentation from our volunteers to students and their teachers in the communities where our AWS employees live and work.

This year, the program is designed to be offered remotely via teleconferencing due to social distancing guidelines around the world. It is also designed to allow employees that are working from home to make their volunteering contribution in the locations where they are living.

What is the vision for AWS Tech Week?

We are scaling AWS Tech Week this year through our virtual offering. It started in 2018 with local school visits in Ireland in the vicinity of our DUB AZ. Since then it has grown into a signature program for AWS InCommunities globally. Our vision is that we will reach thousands more future builders and educators and mentors by powering more events in many more locations in all regions this year. We aim to see it become one of the many great things that our data center communities know us for!

What are the goals of AWS Tech Week?

• Inspire future builders
• Provide connection between AWS employees and students of their communities via cloud computing related education
• Create an increased number of opportunities for AWS employees to volunteer in their communities

What activities can we expect at a AWS Tech Week?

Depending on the interest of the school, our AWS employees will connect with your various classes/age groups via a teleconferencing platform and offer a curriculum of 4 technology topics. Each workshop will be no more than 45mns long and can be a single 45mns commitment on a day of your school’s choice, or the full suite of workshops spread over the course of the week. The curriculum is designed to allow flexibility for both schools and our volunteers to choose their level of engagement.

What topics are on offer?

A set of four workshops will be made available to the InCommunities volunteers with each session lasting no more than 45 minutes. The topics on offer are:

1. Introduction to Cloud Computing

2. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

3. Introduction to Big Data

4. Introduction to Data Centers and Career Paths

Each workshop is designed with lesson plans configured specifically for 3 each age group, 7-11 (Junior), 12-14 (Middle), 15-17 (Senior).

How will the Volunteers be supported in delivering this program?

“Learning by Doing” is a core aspect of the teaching approach for this program. Volunteers will find this approach easier to manage as the materials will be prepared in advance. As workshops are based around ‘an activity’ they will be easier for volunteers to host. A Tech Week Training Page is available here.

Who is eligible for participating?

This program is only for AWS employees and their families. We have had family members involved in previous programs such as Family Tech Series.

How can our employees participate to Tech Week?

Employees can register their interest on the Tech Week Volunteer Page and share widely with their teams and colleagues. Once registered, they will be receiving regular email updates to help prepare for their virtual presentation including a Volunteer Handbook and other collateral.

How can I participate in Tech Week?

You can register your interest on the Tech Week Volunteer Page and share it widely with your teams and colleagues. Once registered, you will be receiving regular email updates to help you prepare for your virtual presentation including a Volunteer Handbook and other training collateral.

Where can I view/download workshops in my language(s)?

All workshop material in various languages can be found here: Tech Week Workshops and Languages and you will be able to view and download your full pack from One Drive.

1. Select language
2. Select workshop
3. Select group
4. Download all materials in advance of your presentation

Where can I find Training Videos to help me deliver a workshop as part of Tech Week?

We have 4 demo presentations (senior group workshop from each topic available) on our InCommunities Broadcast channel. You will also find a recording a chime group session covering training questions from our InCommunities Ambassadors

Will the content remain available after Tech Week is over?

Yes our intention will be to keep the material available online to be reused for school presentations, new starters, and other community engagement activities.

Will there be follow up communication with schools after Tech Week?

Yes indeed, the intention is to continue to build and strengthen the relationships with the communities where we live and work, including schools and other educational bodies. Our Ambassadors and volunteers are a key part of those conversations!

Will the material be available in other languages over time?

Yes indeed, we are planning to scale and add more content and languages over time.

What is AWS InCommunities?

We are the community engagement team for AWS Infrastructure Operations, aiming to make a positive impact around the world. Whether it’s using technology to solve the world’s most pressing issues, or through our employees donating their time to support causes they care about, AWS is dedicated to building a world where every person has the opportunity to live a life of dignity on a healthy planet.

To make a positive impact, specifically in the regions where we build and operate our global infrastructure, we established a program called AWS InCommunities. AWS InCommunities launches long-term, innovative programs that will have a lasting impact in our regions around the world. Find out more information about AWS InCommunities on our wiki by clicking here.

Will you still host in-person events later this year?

In 2021, depending on the regulations in your location, it may be possible to host in-person events. This will also depend on the AWS regulations for employees in that country. Our AWS volunteers very much enjoy interacting with the schools and other organizations in their communities so we are all hoping we can all resume our face to face activities in the later part of this year!

How can I receive further updates from AWS InCommunities?

Join the AWS InCommunities Phone Tool Group to stay in the know on community-focused activities or email us at: communityInbox@amazon.com with your idea. If you know of a community issue in our infrastructure regions, please fill out the SIM form to put it on our radar. Thank you!