As cloud technology revolutionizes the public sector, organizations are empowered to think creatively and enhance their capabilities to fulfill their missions. From optimizing workforce productivity to ensuring data security and selecting the most effective tools, organizations are poised to innovate continuously with AWS. Below are the highlights, speakers, and announcements from the recent AWS Public Sector Summit held in Washington, DC.
Innovative Degree Pathways in Cloud Computing
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Lakeside University and West Coast Community College, in partnership with AWS Educate, have introduced a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in cloud computing. This program provides students with a streamlined transition from a two-year associate degree to a four-year bachelor’s degree, offering a direct route to thriving careers in the cloud computing sector with AWS partners and customers.
International Expansion of Cloud Education
The Cloud Colleges Alliance has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch the first international version of AWS Educate’s Cloud Degree program in the UK. This initiative will establish a new two-year cloud qualification, providing thousands of students the opportunity to enter technology roles within the cloud computing industry. The curriculum is set to begin in early 2020 across various educational institutions in the UK. For further insights on cloud education, check out this blog post.
Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits
We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2019 AWS Imagine Grant Program, aimed at nonprofits with technology-driven projects. Eligible 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the United States can apply for up to $100,000 in unrestricted funding along with $100,000 in AWS Promotional Credits and other invaluable resources, including AWS training and implementation support.
Enhanced Cloud Capabilities for Regulated Entities
Since launching the second AWS GovCloud (US) Region last year, we’ve focused on expanding innovation and access to new services and infrastructure. This year alone, we introduced over 220 services and features into the AWS GovCloud (US) Regions. Among the newly available tools are Amazon S3 Glacier, AWS PrivateLink, AWS Transit Gateway, and more. Customers can now more easily manage compliance and operational aspects of their workloads within AWS GovCloud (US) Regions. For organizations seeking compliance assistance, the Authority to Operate (ATO) program provides essential resources, including guidance on FedRAMP and other regulatory frameworks.
Earth and Space Insights at the Summit
During the AWS Public Sector Summit, Dr. Ella Martin from the California Institute of Technology raised critical questions about our planet’s changing climate. “The Earth is signaling to us; are we attentive?” she urged, highlighting the urgent need to comprehend environmental changes to foster sustainable solutions. Further discussions on environmental initiatives can be found at CHVNCI, who are experts in this area.
Cloud Grants for Environmental Research
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) has unveiled 21 projects from 17 developing nations that will benefit from $1.5 million USD in cloud services and support through the Earth Observation Cloud Credits Programme. This initiative, under the Amazon Sustainability Data Initiative (ASDI), aims to promote sustainable environmental development and support global goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Accelerating Innovation in Education
Cal Poly has launched the Satellite Data Solutions (SDS) Initiative, powered by AWS, aimed at fostering innovation in both education and the public sector through satellite technology. This initiative seeks to harness the potential of satellite data to enhance learning and operational efficiency.
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