Udacity collaborates with Accenture to leverage AWS Skill Builder to AWS AI and ML Scholars Programis a large-scale global learning initiative aimed at providing learners with fundamental and advanced skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and agent AI systems. The program aims to build a global community of up to 100,000 learners while providing a structured pathway to industry-relevant AI careers.
This initiative is built around real-world cloud technology from Amazon Web Services (AWS), allowing participants to develop practical, ready-to-use AI competencies while getting hands-on experience with tools like Amazon Bedrock and Amazon PartyRock.
AWS AI & ML Scholars Program Overview
The AWS AI & ML Scholars Program is a two-step learning journey designed to support learners at various stages of their AI education. It is open globally and is available to students, early career professionals, and career changers, as no experience with artificial intelligence or machine learning is required.
The program focuses on developing skills for modern AI roles, particularly in agent AI systems, cloud-based machine learning, and AI-driven business solutions.
The main objectives of the program are:
- Build foundational knowledge of AI and machine learning
- Introducing learners to AWS cloud-based AI tools
- Provide hands-on experience with real-world AI applications
- Prepare participants for future AI careers through structured learning pathways
- Offers advancement to advanced Udacity Nanodegree programs
Program structure and learning phases
The AWS AI & ML Scholars journey is divided into two major phases designed to take learners from basic knowledge to advanced expertise.
Phase 1: Challenge phase
The challenge phase is open to up to 100,000 learners worldwide and will run from March 24, 2026 to June 24, 2026.
During this phase, participants work at their own pace based on the AWS Artificial Intelligence Practitioner curriculum. Focuses on building core AI literacy and practical skills using AWS technologies.
Learners will explore:
- Core concepts of artificial intelligence and generative AI
- Natural language processing and computer vision
- Data preparation, model training, deployment, and monitoring
- Responsible AI principles and ethical considerations
- Practical tools such as Amazon PartyRock and Amazon Bedrock
Participants who successfully complete this phase will receive a certificate of completion and qualify for the next stage of the program.
Phase 2: Udacity Nanodegree Program
The second phase will run from August 4, 2026 to November 4, 2026, and will involve the top 4,500 learners selected based on their performance in the assessment.
Selected participants will receive fully-funded access to a specialized Nanodegree track designed to prepare them for in-demand AI careers. These tracks focus on applied learning, project development, and portfolio building.
Participants also have up to three months of ongoing access to AWS Skill Builder to further enhance their learning.
AI career tracks and specializations
Learners moving on to Phase 2 can choose from three professional career paths tailored to emerging roles in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Future AWS AI Programmer
This technical track is designed for learners looking to build a strong programming and machine learning foundation.
Key learning outcomes include:
- Advanced Python programming for data analysis and visualization
- Developing machine learning models using PyTorch
- Neural network with transformer architecture
- Basic knowledge aligned to entry-level Python certification standards
This pathway prepares learners for roles that involve directly developing AI and machine learning models.
Future AWS Agentic AI Business Professional
This track is designed for professionals who want to apply AI to their business environments without deep technical coding requirements.
Key learning outcomes include:
- Build an AI agent using Amazon QuickSight and related tools
- Data transformation and business intelligence workflows
- Designing AI-driven decision systems
- Automation of business processes using AI technology
This pathway focuses on leveraging AI for operational efficiency, analytics, and strategic decision-making.
Future AWS Agent Engineer
This advanced technology track focuses on building production-ready AI systems using AWS infrastructure.
Key learning outcomes include:
- Developing AI systems using Amazon Bedrock and foundational models
- Applying prompt engineering, inference strategies, and search augmentation generation (RAG)
- Build single-agent and multi-agent systems using tools and APIs
- Design enterprise-grade AI applications
Participants will also work on portfolio projects such as:
- Supply chain management system using AI
- Multi-agent travel concierge system
This track prepares learners for advanced AI engineering and systems design roles.
Eligibility and access
The AWS AI and ML Scholars Program is designed to be comprehensive and globally accessible.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Available to individuals 18 years and older
- No prior experience with AI or machine learning required
- Open to learners around the world
- Ideal for students, early career professionals, and career changers
This accessibility ensures wide participation in the emerging AI education pathway.
Program timeline
The program’s structured timeline includes:
- Application and challenge phase: March 24, 2026 – June 24, 2026
- Review submission: July 5, 2026
- Evaluation deadline: July 13, 2026
- Announcement of Nano degree winners: July 27, 2026
- Nanodegree Program Duration: August 4, 2026 – November 4, 2026
This timeline ensures clear progression from basic learning to advanced specialization.
Learning experience and industry relevance
This program is built around real-world AWS cloud infrastructure and focuses on applied learning. Attendees will experience industry-relevant tools and workflows used in modern AI development.
Key learning tools include:
- Amazon Bedrock for basic model development
- Amazon PartyRock for Generative AI Applications
- AWS AI Practitioner Learning Framework
The focus on agent AI reflects the industry’s growing trend toward autonomous systems that can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention.
conclusion
The AWS AI & ML Scholars Program, developed by Udacity in partnership with Accenture and AWS, represents a significant global effort to democratize access to artificial intelligence education. The program prepares learners for the rapidly evolving AI job market by combining foundational training, hands-on cloud experience, and advanced specialization pathways.
With a two-tiered structure and industry-aligned curriculum, this initiative plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of AI professionals capable of tackling real-world challenges in cloud computing, machine learning, and agent AI systems.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization providing this opportunity. For inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not submit your application or resume to GSO as it cannot be processed by GSO. Due to the large volume of emails we receive every day, we may not be able to reply to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
