October 30, 2025
ARLINGTON, Va. – In tandem with its massive, multi-billion dollar data center expansion across the United States, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is launching a wide-ranging series of community initiatives designed to foster local economic growth, STEM education, and workforce development. The company is coupling its technological infrastructure investments with direct funding and partnerships in the towns and counties hosting its facilities.
The scale of the infrastructure investment is significant. Amazon recently broke ground on a $10 billion data center project in North Carolina, while its $39.2 billion investment is providing a major boost to the economy of eastern Oregon. In Mississippi, company officials report celebrating construction milestones on projects representing "more work than we've ever seen."
To ensure these data centers generate a positive local footprint, Amazon is deploying a multi-pronged community strategy focused on education, sustainability, and skills training.
Empowering the Next Generation in STEM
A cornerstone of Amazon's community efforts is the creation of hands-on STEM learning environments. Key initiatives include:
A $200,000 investment in New Albany, Ohio, to establish an Amazon Think Big Space—a dedicated STEM lab—within the city's new Fieldhouse and Community Center.
The expansion of STEM access in Loudoun County, Virginia, through new Think Big Corners and a mobile Think Big Van to reach more students.
Partnerships with school districts for specialized programs, including a student internship program in Hayward, California, and a STEM spring break camp.
Global and local connection programs, such as the global Think Big Circle to link young STEM learners worldwide and the sponsorship of student innovation events like DubHacks 2025.
Direct Funding for Grassroots Projects
Amazon is establishing community funds to provide direct financial support to local organizations. In Central Ohio, the Amazon Community Fund will award $100,000 in micro-grants to grassroots projects in Franklin and Licking counties. A new round of grant applications has also been launched to support counties in Georgia. To date, 19 community projects in Central Ohio have already received funding through this mechanism.
Similar funds are active in other regions. The Amazon Eastern Oregon Community Fund recently recognized local champions, celebrating the completion of an Amazon-funded solar project. The company also contributed $50,000 to the New Albany Community Foundation in Ohio to support its lifelong learning lecture series.
Building the Local Workforce
Investing in the local talent pipeline is another key focus. Amazon has partnered with technical colleges in Georgia to offer specialized fiber optic training courses, equipping residents with in-demand skills for the digital economy. In Northern Virginia, the recent AWS Summit in Washington, D.C., not only delivered job offers to attendees but also provided 3,000 backpacks for local students.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Beyond education and training, Amazon is engaging in broader community-building activities. The company's Virginia initiative recently sponsored a family event with the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball team, while various back-to-school campaigns have helped students across multiple data center communities prepare for the academic year.
Through this comprehensive approach, Amazon aims to ensure its data center expansions are paired with lasting, tangible benefits for the communities that host them, fostering partnerships that extend far beyond the server racks.
Source: aboutamazon
