May 2, 2025 10:31 AM
Amazon's community impact across data center communities in the US
Discover more about what has been happening around our data center communities in 2025.
April 30, 2025 1:56 PM
Growing together: Amazon teams cultivate community and sustainability this Earth Day
This spring, Amazon employees and community members, in collaboration with Arbor Day Foundation, have been digging in—literally—to make a difference for Earth Day and Arbor Day. Across our data center communities, teams have partnered with local organizations to plant trees and foster environmental stewardship where we live and work.
In Northern Virginia, 50 Amazon volunteers joined Fairfax ReLeaf at Little Run Elementary School, planting 200 native trees and shrubs while removing more than 500 cubic feet of invasive plants. "Amazon volunteers brought out the workforce and fun," said Taylor Beach, executive director of Fairfax ReLeaf. "These trees and shrubs will provide beauty and shade and support wildlife for generations to come."
Additionally, a tree distribution event on April 19 provided free seedlings to local residents at the Mount Vernon Government Center.
Nearby in Loudoun County, 90 Amazon employees and community members worked with Willowsford Conservancy to plant 530 trees in Aldie, creating vital wildlife corridors and a natural buffer between residential areas and the proposed Dulles South Community Park.
Our teams carried this spirit to the Midwest, where in South Bend, Indiana, 60 Amazon volunteers, Suffolk Construction partners, and South Bend Mayor James Mueller joined middle school students to plant 50 trees at Navarre Middle School. This collaborative effort with Shirley Heinze Land Trust supports the city's ambitious 40% urban tree canopy goal.
Photo by Ira Graham III
/Ira Graham III Photography & Fil"The city's investment in our urban forest will expand our tree canopy coverage by 2050 and result in a healthier, more sustainable South Bend," said South Bend Mayor James Mueller. "Our urban tree canopy helps to address climate change, improves overall air quality, and adds more vibrancy to public spaces. I am grateful to all our partners and volunteers for their support of the city's goals for our urban tree canopy and environment."
In New Albany, Ohio, Amazon partnered with New Albany Parks and Recreation on Arbor Day to plant 60 trees at Thompson Park. More than 50 Amazon volunteers enhanced recreational spaces for community residents to enjoy. The momentum continues on May 3, when our Oregon team will host a similar event at the Umatilla County Fairgrounds in Hermiston.
These collaborative planting events highlight the power of community partnerships to create positive environmental impact. Working alongside organizations that share our commitment to sustainability allows us to contribute to healthier, greener neighborhoods for everyone.
April 15, 2025 11:20 AM
Building community one meal at a time: Amazon and Extra Table combat food insecurity in Mississippi
Photo by GARRICK QUICKWhen Amazon volunteers and community members gathered at a recent meal-kit packing party in Jackson, Mississippi, they witnessed firsthand how community partnerships are making a real difference in their neighborhoods. Through Amazon's donation to Extra Table, volunteers pack meals for the "Extra Full Southern Red Beans and Rice Initiative," addressing food insecurity in a state that has historically ranked highest in food insecurity rates nationwide.
The partnership between Amazon and Extra Table is addressing needs in Madison County while engaging communities across the state through these "Extra Full Meal-Kit Packing Parties." These community-driven volunteer opportunities bring people together, creating 13,000 volunteer hours annually while addressing critical needs. The meals support 553,610 food-insecure individuals across Mississippi, including more than 158,000 children.
Each meal kit of Southern red beans and rice requires just five cups of boiling water to prepare and provides four nutritious servings. With a manufacturing cost of only $2 per kit, the program maximizes the donation's reach. Amazon's contribution helps support Extra Table's meal packing events throughout the year, enabling them to produce up to 20,000 meals weekly—potentially creating over 1 million meals annually for Mississippi families in need.
Photo by GARRICK QUICK"The impact of the newly formed partnership between Amazon and Extra Table is the increased amount of food we are able to distribute and the raised awareness of the pantries we serve in people's local communities," said Amanda Powell, Administrative and Systems Coordinator at Extra Table. "Every Packing Party Event hosts 100 volunteers to package these meals, and at the end, the pantries collect their allocated amount for distribution to their clients—it's a heartening hour for everyone involved."
Beyond its planned $10 billion AWS infrastructure investment, Amazon continues supporting Mississippi through various initiatives, including work with the Mississippi Food Network to pack senior grocery boxes providing 1,540 meals. The company will further its community work through upcoming sponsorships of the Lily Pad Cafe 5K run and the Madison County Dragon Boat Regatta, building stronger futures for all Mississippians.
April 7, 2025 1:46 PM
Jonathan Alder and Amazon collaboration brings space exploration to families at 2nd Annual event
Photo by Ira Graham III Photography and FilJonathan Alder Local School District students and families in Plain City, Ohio, reached for the stars at the Second Annual Space Night on April 4, 2025, at Canaan Middle School. The community event, sponsored through Amazon's partnership with the school district, celebrated space exploration while showcasing how Amazon's ongoing support powers STEM education in local schools.
Throughout the event, classrooms transformed into themed activity centers where participants engaged in space-related activities. These included hands-on projects like galaxy chalk art and rocket building, coding challenges with robots simulating Mars exploration, virtual reality space experiences, and interactive learning about planets and constellations. Participants also created items to be sent to space on future Blue Origin missions and stargazed using outdoor telescopes.
Photo by Ira Graham III Photography & Fil/Ira Graham III Photography & Fil"We are so thankful for our partnership with Amazon and the support that we are given to host Space Night for our Jonathan Alder students and community," said Emily Byers, STEM teacher at Jonathan Alder Local Schools. "Through this partnership, our students experience STEM education daily through our three Think Big spaces. Space Night allowed families to experience what 'Think Big' really means with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and giveaways."
A highlight of the evening was Ohio astronaut Don Thomas, who shared his experiences and engaged with families during presentations, meet-and-greets, and book signings. The event also featured community partners including Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Plain City Public Library, and local vendors.
Photo by Ira Graham III Photography & Fil/Ira Graham III Photography & Fil"This event connected families with one another and with the district, demonstrating how our partnership with Amazon provides our community with experiences we couldn't otherwise offer," added Byers. "We're incredibly thankful for the ongoing support that helps us prepare students for their future endeavors through hands-on STEM experiences."
Amazon's Think Big Spaces continue to provide Jonathan Alder students and students across our data center regions with daily opportunities to engage with advanced STEM concepts, fostering innovation, and critical thinking skills.
March 25, 2025 1:57 PM
Northern Virginia community organizations and individuals celebrated as Amazon fund recipients
Photo by Jennifer HeffnerCommunity leaders and local organizations gathered in Arlington at HQ2 as Amazon honored community projects driving positive change across Northern Virginia. At the ceremony, Amazon announced all micro-grants to the 46 grassroots initiatives that are making meaningful impacts in Prince William, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties.
The reception brought together grant recipients, community leaders, and Amazon team members to recognize projects focusing on education, community support, housing stability, health and wellbeing, food insecurity, mental health, and diversity initiatives. The event provided networking opportunities and highlighted the various projects that will shape the region's future.
Photo by Jennifer HeffnerThe Amazon Northern Virginia Community Fund provides micro-grants to individuals, local community groups, schools, nonprofits and other organizations making an impact in communities where Amazon operates infrastructure. Managed and administered by nonprofit organization ChangeX with some distributed directly by Amazon, the program represents the company's dedication to fostering local innovation and addressing community-identified needs.
Among the recipients, Loudoun Education Foundation is expanding food recovery stations and empowering at-risk, first-generation girls through educational experiences. "Amazon's partnership with the Loudoun Education Foundation empowers Loudoun Public Schools to dream big," shared Danielle Nadier, executive director of Loudoun Education Foundation. "They're right alongside us asking 'what can we do to help all of these initiatives.'"
Photo by Jennifer HeffnerKeep Prince William Beautiful received funding to enhance outdoor classrooms and local parks with pollinator gardens and multi-use spaces. "This partnership allows us to reach parks and schools that we haven't had the benefit of providing our services before," said Rico Fleshman, executive director of Keep Prince William Beautiful.
The Community Fund is part of Amazon's ongoing investment in Virginia, which includes STEM education programs like Amazon Girls' Tech Day and free technical training through the Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship program. The grants, ranging up to $10,000 each, support projects that create lasting impact in local neighborhoods.
March 11, 2025 6:57 PM
AWS celebrates new Eastern Oregon office with ribbon cutting ceremony
AWS celebrated a milestone in its regional growth and development with the opening of a new office space in Hermiston, Oregon. The March 6 ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted AWS’s long-term commitment to eastern Oregon.
Since 2012, AWS has invested more than $30 billion in eastern Oregon, resulting in an estimated $9.1 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) to the area and supporting more than 7,400 jobs on an annual average basis. Additionally, AWS contributed $54.2 million locally through property tax and fee payments in 2023 alone.
"In 2011, I was the first AWS employee hired to support our eastern Oregon region. As we have continued to grow, it has been rewarding to see AWS now support over 7,400 full-time equivalent jobs locally," said David Tanner, director of infrastructure operations at AWS. “I have witnessed first-hand how we have helped grow the community here, through workforce development and community engagement, and how our operations have supported thousands of local jobs.”
Located adjacent to Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) and WorkSource Oregon, the new office space fosters further collaboration with both community partners. BMCC and WorkSource Oregon help AWS deliver skills-based training and job promotion for eastern Oregon residents pursuing data center-related careers.
For example, AWS and BMCC established the Data Center Technician Training Program, an Amazon Career Choice one-year program that enables students to be fully prepared for employment in the industry, and Fusion Splicing workshops, a two-day free training on fiber optic installation and repair. As a result of these partnerships, local residents can access valuable career pathways.
Dan Dorran, Umatilla County Commissioner, emphasized the broader impact: "Since 2012, AWS has been instrumental in diversifying and strengthening Umatilla County's economy. This new office space, coupled with their ongoing partnership with BMCC, shows AWS’s dedication to not just creating jobs, but building careers and opportunities for our residents.”
The office space will function as a training center, meeting space for community partners, and collaborative workspace. Through this expansion, AWS continues to demonstrate its ongoing investment and collaboration with eastern Oregon communities.
March 10, 2025 9:16 AM
Amazon plants fruit trees to nourish Jackson Communities
In a continuous effort to build sustainable communities, Amazon recently partnered with The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF), Midtown Partners, and the Arbor Day Foundation to establish new community orchards in Jackson, Mississippi's Midtown neighborhood.
The five-day initiative saw over 100 community and Amazon volunteers come together to plant 500 trees across five orchards, including Midtown Public Charter Primary and The Urban Farm & The Preserve Garden. The diverse selection of fruit trees—ranging from apples and pears to pecans and cherries—creates lasting food security while enhancing the neighborhood's environmental health.
"These orchards will provide communities in Mississippi with sustainable harvest, increasing access to healthy nutrition and cleaning the surrounding air, soil, and water," explains Cem Akin, FTPF's Tree-EO.
This initiative goes beyond mere planting; it's about creating a replicable model for household-level sustainability. The project's impact extends directly into homes, with hundreds of additional trees distributed to local families, accompanied by comprehensive training and planting guidelines. Professional installation of drip irrigation systems and tree protection measures ensures the long-term success of these green investments.
Jina Daniels, Creative Economy Coordinator at Midtown Partners, emphasizes the broader vision: "Through our Farm to Community Initiative, we are creating a neighborhood-driven food system that empowers residents with fresh, locally grown produce." This collaboration represents a crucial step toward food security and environmental sustainability in the region.
This initiative exemplifies Amazon's commitment to environmental stewardship and community development in areas where it operates infrastructure. By combining immediate action with long-term sustainability planning, we're not just planting trees—we're planting hope, health, and heritage for future generations.
February 28, 2025 8:23 AM
Amazon Community Fund celebrates local change-makers in St. Joseph County, Indiana
Photo by Jenna BraunsteinLocal community leaders and organizations gathered at the historic Dainty Maid Food Hall as Amazon honored 31 projects driving positive change across St. Joseph County, Indiana. The inaugural Amazon St. Joseph County Community Fund reception celebrated the collective impact of $250,000 in community investments.
The morning tea brought together grant recipients, community leaders, and AWS team members to recognize projects ranging from STEM education initiatives to food security programs. The celebration included networking opportunities, award presentations, and a chance to learn about the various projects that will shape the county's future.
Photo by Jenna BraunsteinAmong the recipients, Cultivate Food Rescue demonstrated how technology and community service can work together to address local challenges. "Our pantry ordering software is built on the AWS platform, and we will soon host our food insecurity data map there as well. The generous support from The St. Joseph County Community Fund will enable us to provide over 14,000 meals to our food-insecure neighbors," shared Jim Conklin, Executive Director & Co-Founder.
Unity Gardens received funding for their LaSalle Square project, expanding access to fresh food and community spaces. "Everything grown in this seven-acre space is free to pick and all who visit will be greeted by a garden guide," said Katie Lane, Director of Operations. "Through this grant, we can continue our mission of connecting the community to fresh food, nature, and one another!"
This celebration marks the beginning of Amazon's ongoing commitment to St. Joseph County, part of its planned $11 billion investment across Indiana. Beyond these grants, Amazon continues to invest in the community through initiatives like Amazon Girls' Tech Day and free technical training programs, including the AWS Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certification Course, which has already trained 53 local students in 2024.
The morning concluded with award presentations and photos, celebrating organizations that will use these resources to create lasting impact in their neighborhoods. The grants, ranging up to $10,000 each, will support projects focused on education, sustainability, economic development, workforce training, and community well-being.
February 25, 2025 12:26 PM
From nursing school to AWS: Hanson Tram's journey to tech success
Hanson Tram's journey to becoming a data center operations technician at Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Initially pursuing nursing to please his parents, Tram soon realized his true passion lay in software engineering. Undeterred by this change in direction, he moved to Arizona to immerse himself in the tech world, utilizing free online resources, boot camps, and internships to build his skills.
Despite his efforts, securing a full-time position proved challenging. Tram remained resilient, working part-time as a remote mobile app developer for Arizona State University. His breakthrough came when he discovered AWS's Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Mississippi. Taking a leap of faith, Tram relocated to participate in the month-long program.
"The teachers I had were the best teachers I had my whole life," Tram reflected. "I felt supported by everyone to succeed, and on the last day, I didn't even want to leave. We're building the future workforce for Mississippi, and I got to be part of something special."
This experience connected Tram with various tech infrastructure employers, including AWS. Impressed by the company's reputation, he set his sights on joining the AWS team. In February 2025, his persistence paid off when he secured a position as a data center operations technician at AWS, maintaining servers and computers in a hands-on environment.
Tram credits his success to networking, continuous skill improvement, and seizing opportunities. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a degree through Amazon's tuition reimbursement program and advance to a higher-level technician role.
Hanson Tram's story exemplifies the power of determination and the opportunities available at AWS for those willing to chase their dreams, highlighting the company's commitment to fostering talent and supporting career growth in data center communities.
February 21, 2025 7:01 AM
Igniting young minds: Amazon's latest Think Big Space launches in Ohio
Igniting Young Minds: Amazon's Latest Think Big Space Launches in OhioPhoto by Ira Graham III Photography & Fil/Ira Graham III Photography & FilIn the heart of Plain City, Ohio, a new beacon of innovation has emerged at Jonathan Alder Jr. High School (JAJHS). On February 19, Amazon celebrated the grand opening of its newest Think Big Space, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to STEM education in the Buckeye State.
This state-of-the-art educational lab, the 20th in Ohio and part of a global network of 92 Think Big Spaces, is set to transform the learning experience for seventh and eighth-grade students. Since its soft launch in August 2024, the space has become a daily hub of creativity and exploration for over 350 students, seamlessly integrating with the school's STEM curriculum.
“Having the opportunity to open and lead our Junior High Think Big Space has been wonderful. With this partnership, I am able to provide hands-on experiences for our students to explore all areas of STEM and provide experiences that will prepare our students for their future,” said Brianna Shaner, Think Big Space teacher at JAJHS. “I love seeing students gain interest in STEM-related areas and providing access for those students who may not have previously been exposed to this information.”
Photo by Ira Graham III Photography & Fil/Ira Graham III Photography & Fil
Igniting Young Minds: Amazon's Latest Think Big Space Launches in Ohio
