A few years ago in the United States, Amazon launched the “Amazon Future Engineer” program, which is essentially a broad community push in schools through computer science education. And today, Amazon announced that it is launching the program in India to equip children and young adults in underserved and disadvantaged communities to build a better future. In its first year, the initiative will provide access to computer learning and career opportunities to more than one lakh students from 900 public and charter schools in 7 states. Amazon has invested more than €6.5 billion in India so far and is eager to enter India's lucrative education sector. An Amazon Academy has already started. This new IT initiative is therefore another step in the direction of education for Amazon.
Amazon focuses on education through smartphones
Significantly, Amazon's press release alluded to the fact that while smartphone penetration in India is significantly higher than the availability of computers, "most existing online content and computer learning modules They are not suitable for mobile devices."
So Amazon can offer modules for smartphones.
Amazon itself said that its Future Engineer program "aims to fill this gap by providing students with early exposure to and access to computer science education through in-person, online, and blended learning formats."
Amazon said it is working with its global knowledge partner Code.org, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to computer science education, to bring high-quality mobile interactive computing content to Indian students.
“Keeping local nuances in mind, the program has been contextualized for the community of Indian teachers and students in public schools, and will provide students with the basics of coding as well as future-oriented technology courses like artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural learning. language processing (voice technology) in Indian languages,” Amazon said.
Amazon's Future Engineer program, in its first phase, will target public school students in the states of Karnataka, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Telangana.
The initiative will primarily target students in grades 6-12 and will also train teachers and educators to teach computer science in a more engaging way. In addition to activating the content and curriculum, the Amazon Future Engineer program will also provide students with hands-on experiences.
“Initiatives will include 'Classroom Conversations' where students meet Amazonians to understand careers in the tech industry, and the 'Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge' where students learn the basics of programming. as they code robots and discover how Amazon uses robotics to deliver millions of products around the world. Said the company.
"Our goal is to bring the computer science program to these students in the languages of their comfort and choice, to provide them with the right skills and tools to broaden their career prospects," said Amit Agarwal, Global Senior Vice President and Director of country, Amazon India.
"We are honored to work with the Amazon Future Engineer initiative in many countries for several years and we are delighted to strengthen our partnership as Amazon launches the program in India," said Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org.
Amazon India also plans to expand the suite of IT-related educational offerings in India.