# AWS Student Rewards educational program launch

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aws-student-rewards-educational-program-launch
> Updated: 2026-09-14T06:55:23.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced ‘Student Rewards’, a global initiative valued at over $500 million aimed at developing cloud computing and artificial intelligence skills among university students.

To participate, students aged 18 and older must verify their enrollment through SheerID. The program provides access to the AWS Builder Center, where students can receive a 12-month premium subscription to AWS Skill Builder, offering over 900 online courses and hands-on labs. 

Beyond course access, the initiative includes tiered rewards for community engagement, such as publishing articles or participating in discussions. These rewards include AWS service credits and vouchers for foundational certification exams, including the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified AI Practitioner. Total benefits for a single student can reach up to $579 in value.

Kim Majerus, Vice President of Global Education and Local Government at AWS, stated that the goal is to provide hands-on workshops and certification vouchers so that students can move beyond theoretical learning to practical application. In Indonesia, AWS educational programs have already reached over 1.3 million people since 2017.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: AWS allocates USD 500 million for global student cloud and AI training

AWS is investing over USD 500 million in its Student Rewards program to provide global university students with cloud and AI training, AWS credits, and certification vouchers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aws-allocates-usd-500-million-for-global-student-cloud-and-ai-training

### 2026-08-27: AWS launches $500 million Student Rewards program for cloud and AI training

AWS has launched the ‘Student Rewards’ program, investing $500 million in cloud and AI training, credits, and certifications for university students worldwide.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aws-launches-500-million-student-rewards-program-for-cloud-and-ai-training

### 2026-08-20: AWS launches $500 million student cloud and AI training program

AWS has launched a $500 million global program called ‘Student Rewards’ to provide university students with cloud and AI training, premium course access, and certification vouchers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aws-launches-500-million-student-cloud-and-ai-training-program

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Cite as: AWS Student Rewards educational program launch. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aws-student-rewards-educational-program-launch