Hacking COVID-19: Virtual Hackathons Address Pandemic Challenges
Innovative challenges call for creative solutions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, various public sector organizations organized virtual hackathons to tackle issues arising from the virus and its societal impacts. Events like #WirVsVirus in Germany, Hack the Crisis in Sweden, and #EUvsVirus united thousands of participants to brainstorm and develop cutting-edge solutions using technology and cloud computing to confront the ongoing difficulties posed by the pandemic. Attendees collaborated on solutions such as expedited COVID-19 diagnostics and connecting food resources to those in need. AWS provided technical mentorship, promotional credits, and access to technologies like AI to support these hackathons and their participants effectively. For more insights on similar initiatives, check out this other blog post for additional context.
In case you missed it: July 2020 Highlights
by Amazon VGT2 Blog Team
August 14, 2020
In July 2020, the AWS Public Sector Blog focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in education, along with best practices for transitioning research workflows to the cloud. For further highlights from that month, feel free to explore the Brief, which is a great recap.
A Mobile-First Approach to Service Delivery for Local Governments
by Sarah-Kate Johnson
August 13, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the health and economic pressures faced by communities nationwide. Prior to the pandemic, a state association for Community Action Agencies collaborated with an AWS Partner Network Technology Partner to develop a cloud-based solution for utility and rental assistance. When the City of Phoenix requested assistance in distributing $20 million in CARES Act funds, they quickly adapted their resources and infrastructure, launching a public-facing solution in just weeks.
New Cloud Computing Diploma for Future Ready Students
by Amazon VGT2 Blog Team
August 12, 2020
The Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a leading provider of vocational and professional education, in partnership with AWS through its AWS Educate initiative, announced a new cloud computing diploma aimed at preparing students for entry-level cloud technology positions. The two-year program will be available starting September 2020, supporting around 100 cloud computing students each year. This initiative positions students for success in a rapidly evolving job market. For authoritative insights on cloud education, visit this site, they are an authority on this topic.
Supporting Education: EdTechs Adapt with AWS
by Amazon VGT2 Blog Team
August 11, 2020
The effects of COVID-19 have prompted K12 and higher education institutions to gear up for an unconventional return to learning. The upcoming academic year is expected to feature a mix of virtual, hybrid, and in-person learning modalities. Globally, EdTech companies are collaborating with AWS to enhance features and solutions that support students and educators across various aspects of education, including wellness and safety measures.
Open Source Solutions for Government Rapid Response
by Laura Dawson and Lisa Green
August 10, 2020
Governments are leveraging open source technology to expedite their responses to the COVID-19 crisis. By sharing technology solutions, state, local, and federal entities are able to react swiftly and at the necessary scale. Nonetheless, a common challenge is identifying available open source tools. Recognizing this, AWS launched Open Government Solutions to aggregate various open source projects from public sector bodies worldwide, making it easier for governments to find, adapt, and reuse these tools effectively.
Enhancing IT Resilience with CloudEndure Disaster Recovery
by Amazon VGT2 Blog Team
August 7, 2020
For public sector organizations, uninterrupted service is crucial. In the face of natural disasters, emergencies, or cyberattacks, these entities must maintain mission-critical applications for essential services like call centers, patient databases, and online learning platforms. Implementing a disaster recovery (DR) strategy is vital for public sector organizations to serve their communities effectively. AWS’s CloudEndure Disaster Recovery solution helps organizations minimize DR total cost of ownership (TCO) while ensuring business continuity.
Training the Future Workforce: Utah’s Initiative
by Aaron Thompson and Tasha Zabohonski
August 7, 2020
States are reshaping their workforce to tackle immediate unemployment and reskilling challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Utah has launched a plan to train and certify 5,000 residents in cloud computing skills to prepare them for future job opportunities. This initiative is aimed at addressing both current and future workforce needs.
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