The AWS AI & ML Scholars program, powered by AWS Skill Builder, expands access to foundational AI education and upskilling for students and aspiring technologists who have had limited access to this type of training. Delivered in partnership with AWS Training Partner Udacity, AWS AI & ML Scholars aims to provide 100,000 learners around the world with generative AI skills and hands-on experience with AWS tools such as PartyRock, Amazon Quick, and Amazon Bedrock.
Applications are open until June 24, 2026 for learners aged 18 and over who want to build a career in AI through project-based learning. No prior experience required. All you need is a curiosity and commitment to building on AWS.
“Growing up, I saw firsthand how access to education can change the trajectory of a person’s life, and that belief has stayed with me throughout my career,” said Swami Sivasubramanian, vice president of AWS Agentic AI. “That’s why the AWS AI & ML Scholars program is personally important to me. It breaks down barriers and gives people a real path to upskilling in AI, regardless of their background. I can’t wait to see what this year’s learners build.”
In 2025, AWS AI & ML Scholars served over 50,000 learners from over 170 countries. This year, we aim to bring this training to even more people, helping learners around the world build AI applications, prepare for AWS certifications, and start new careers in technology.
The program has two phases: Challenges and Udacity Nanodegree. The Challenge Phase will run from March 24 to June 24, 2026, and will provide training to help learners begin their careers in AI and earn the AWS Certified AI Practitioner certification. In addition to a certificate of completion, those who complete the challenge phase will receive a three-month subscription to AWS Skill Builder, which provides expert-led digital courses, hands-on labs, certification exam preparation, and an interactive learning environment.
The top 4,500 participants in the challenge phase will advance to a fully-funded Udacity Nanodegree in one of three AWS-aligned career tracks: AI Programmer, Agent AI Business Professional, and Agent Developer.
At AWS, we believe our cloud and AI services are powerful tools for developers and organizations working to change the world for the better. We’re passionate about enabling learners to leverage AI to address the world’s most pressing and complex challenges. Whether you’re new to generative AI or considering entering the field, AWS AI & ML Scholars helps learners around the world build foundational AI skills to prepare for future careers in technology.
Apply to become an AWS AI & ML Scholars today and take your AI expertise to the next level.
About the author
Jayadev Kala He is a Product Manager on the Social Responsibility and Impact team at AWS, with a focus on AI education. With over eight years of experience in education and technology, Jayadev is passionate about building products that transform access into opportunity for underserved learners around the world. Outside of work, he is a sports enthusiast and loves cooking.
Rohini Krishnapura He is a Manager and Senior PMT at AWS and leads the AWS Social Responsibility and Impact Impact Solutions team. Her team proudly brings AWS to underserved learners, builders, and social enterprises. With over 20 years of expertise in AI, cloud computing, biometrics, and security, and seven patents in biometrics, Rohini works at the intersection of technology and social impact.
