May 27, 2025 1:20 PM
Amazon's community impact across data center communities in the US
May 27, 2025 1:18 PM
Amazon partners with Hayward schools to launch STEM spring break camp
Amazon joined forces with Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) and iDTech this spring to host an immersive Spring Break STEM Camp in Hayward, California. The initiative provided 40 students ages 7-17 from underserved and underrepresented communities with a fully sponsored opportunity to explore technology through hands-on learning experiences.
The weeklong camp offered students engaging courses including VR game design, coding, BattleBots, and 3D printing. Students also connected with Amazon mentors during special "Lunch with an Amazonian" sessions, gaining practical insights into technology careers and future possibilities.
The impact of this partnership resonated throughout the Hayward community. Every single participant reported learning something new about using technology, with students creating their own tech projects, from designing virtual reality games to building robots. The program particularly emphasized inclusion, with over half of the participants being young women exploring STEM fields.
Maya, a 9-year-old participant in the VR Game Design course, said, "This program helped me discover my passion for technology, gave me confidence in my abilities, and made me excited about all the possibilities in AI and robotics."
"We are proud to partner with Amazon and iDTech to offer this incredible opportunity to our students. This spring break camp opened doors for our underrepresented youth to explore the world of technology in a hands-on, engaging environment," said Chien Wu-Fernandez, superintendent at HUSD. "It’s partnerships like these that help us inspire future innovators and ensure every student has access to high-quality learning experiences."
The success of this spring partnership has already led to discussions about expanding technology education initiatives in Hayward. Amazon and HUSD are building a strong foundation for equitable technology education in the community. This initiative represents more than just a spring break program–it’s ensuring students in our data center communities have access to quality STEM education and the opportunity to shape the future of technology.
May 2, 2025 10:29 AM
Amazon expands STEM access in Loudoun County, Virginia with New Think Big Corners and Think Big Mobile Van
Photo by John DevaneyAmazon, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), and the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) celebrated a significant milestone in STEM education with the opening of four new Amazon Think Big Corners in elementary schools across the county. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Potowmack Elementary School on April 29 marked the official launch of these innovative learning spaces.
The Think Big Corners, now established at Potowmack, Forest Grove, Frederick Douglass, and Guilford elementary schools, are designed to provide students with hands-on STEM learning experiences. These mini labs are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including 3D printers and specialized supplies, fostering creativity and building crucial technical skills among young learners.
"LCPS and its Science office are thrilled to partner with Amazon in developing Think Big Corners. This initiative, a collaborative effort between four elementary schools and the Science office, aims to enhance STEM learning experiences for all students," said Darielle Timothy, Science Supervisor at Loudoun County Public Schools. "These dedicated spaces will facilitate additional STEM lessons and problem-based learning activities, encouraging students to devise innovative solutions to global challenges."
Photo by John DevaneyIn addition to the four Think Big Corners, Amazon introduced the first Think Big Mobile Van in the region, which will travel throughout Northern Virginia, bringing STEM education to an even broader range of students. The mobile platform will visit schools and community events, ensuring that more children have access to these valuable learning opportunities regardless of their location.
The initiative builds upon the success of the Amazon Think Big Space launched at Simpson Middle School in Leesburg, VA in 2022, which continues to serve as a computer science training hub for teachers and a creative learning environment for all students. As part of its commitment to empowering educators, Amazon will host in-person training sessions for teachers in these workspaces, as well as creative workshops for students.
This comprehensive approach ensures that both students and teachers have the support and resources they need to succeed in STEM education. These new Think Big Corners and the Think Big Mobile Van reflect Amazon's ongoing dedication to building meaningful community partnerships, supporting educators, and providing equitable access to STEM learning opportunities for all students in Northern Virginia.
