Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as the most revolutionary technology in our era. To fully harness AI’s potential in addressing the world’s most complex challenges, it is imperative to make AI education accessible to anyone eager to acquire knowledge in this field.
In pursuit of this objective, Amazon is unveiling “AI Ready,” a new commitment aimed at providing free AI skills training to 2 million individuals globally by 2025. This initiative involves the introduction of new programs for both adults and young learners, alongside the expansion of existing free AI training initiatives. The primary goal is to eliminate financial barriers and ensure widespread access to these crucial skills.
An image featuring colleagues gathered around a meeting table accompanies this announcement, with a prominent illustration in the foreground depicting “AI” along with gears, a lightbulb, and a pie chart. Recognizing the escalating demand for AI expertise, Amazon is rolling out three key initiatives:
- Eight New and Free AI Courses:
Amazon is introducing eight new AI and generative AI courses that are free of charge. These courses cater to individuals at various skill levels, from foundational to advanced, encompassing both business leaders and technologists. This initiative complements the existing arsenal of 80+ free and affordable AI and generative AI courses available through Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- AWS Generative AI Scholarship:
Amazon is launching the AWS Generative AI Scholarship, an initiative offering more than 50,000 high school and university students worldwide access to a new generative AI course on Udacity. This scholarship, valued at over $12 million, is specifically targeted at students from underserved and underrepresented communities, aiming to bridge gaps in access to AI education.
- Collaboration with Code.org:
Amazon is entering into a collaboration with Code.org to enhance students’ understanding of generative AI. This partnership seeks to empower students with valuable knowledge and skills in AI, ensuring they are well-prepared for the evolving landscape of technology.
The importance of cultivating an AI-proficient workforce is underscored by a recent study conducted by AWS and Access Partnership, revealing that 73% of employers prioritize hiring AI-skilled talent. However, three out of four of these employers express difficulty in finding suitable candidates to meet their AI talent requirements. Employers anticipate that workers upskilling in AI could command up to a 47% increase in salaries, highlighting the growing significance of AI in business operations.
A staggering 93% of businesses anticipate incorporating AI solutions across their organizations within the next five years. In launching AI Ready, Amazon aims to empower those eager to delve into the realm of AI and seize the abundant opportunities on the horizon. These initiatives are carefully crafted to unlock potential for both current professionals and the next generation of the workforce.
For professionals seeking advancement, the announcement includes the availability of eight new, free AI and generative AI courses. These courses cater to diverse needs, spanning foundational to advanced levels, and are tailored for both business leaders and technologists. This initiative complements the existing array of 80+ free and low-cost AI and generative AI courses accessible through AWS.
To ensure inclusivity, Amazon introduces the AWS Generative AI Scholarship, extending Udacity scholarships worth over $12 million to more than 50,000 high school and university students globally, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented communities. Eligible students can enroll in the new Udacity course, “Introducing Generative AI with AWS,” designed by AWS’s AI experts. Successful completion of the course earns students a certificate from Udacity, enhancing their credentials for future employment opportunities.
