What Is the AWS AI & ML Scholarship Program?

Breaking into artificial intelligence and machine learning can feel out of reach—especially without insider connections or a clear path forward. In my experience studying programming, AI, and Human-Computer Interaction at Columbia University, anything involving AI and machine learning requires you to invest a significant chunk of time and money.

That's why Amazon created the game-changing AWS AI & ML Scholarship Program to give students a chance to enter this growing industry field.

As a graduate of Columbia University, a school with one of the highest living costs for students, I know how expensive a traditional degree is. This scholarship is a chance for an all-expenses-paid introduction into computer science, with hands-on projects and a free advanced Udacity nanodegree program.

If a four-year college degree in computer science feels unattainable, this scholarship is for you. In this blog, I'll explain:

• What the AWS AI & ML Scholarship includes
• Who’s eligible and how to apply
• Why this opportunity could fast-track your career in tech

Applicants don't need to have prior experience in machine learning, making this scholarship perfect for anyone trying to break into this competitive field. Plus, winning the scholarship means free coursework and access to Amazon machine learning tools.

Keep reading for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to gain experience in AI and data science without paying a cent.

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How to Apply for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship Program

Students need to qualify for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship Program through the DeepRacer challenge. If you pass the challenge, you're able to apply for the second part of the program: a free Nanodegree, which offers a short training program in AI and ML.

Here's a quick rundown on what you need to do if you're applying for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship:

1. Sign up for AWS DeepRacer Student and opt in to the AI & ML Scholars Challenge
2. Complete the online course and pass two assessments with scores of 80% or higher
3. Record a DeepRacer lap time under two minutes
4. Receive a unique application code via email after meeting the requirements
5. Submit the code and complete the official Nanodegree application by the deadline (typically August 1)

Some of these steps, like signing up for the DeepRacer program, are very specific. We'll get into exactly what these terms and programs are below.

Education Paths in the AWS AI & ML Program

After completing the DeepRacer challenge and applying for the scholarship, accepted students can choose between areas of interest for their Nanodegree. There are three tracks in the AWS AI & ML Program:

• Future AWS AI Scientist
• Future AWS Business Intelligence Engineer
• Future AWS AI Engineer

AWS DeepRacer Student League

The first step of applying to the AWS & ML Scholarship Program is signing up for the AWS DeepRacer Student program. This program gives students a quick intro to machine learning and also serves as a way to whittle down the applicant pool. Only students who complete the DeepRacer program with high scores can apply for the AWS & ML Scholarship Program.

AWS DeepRacer Student is an educational platform where students learn the basics of machine and deep learning by training virtual self-driving cars to navigate a simulated track. It's a hands-on, interactive way to apply machine learning concepts in a fun and engaging environment. Participants adjust the car's behavior using what they've learned to improve its performance, preparing them for more advanced AI and ML studies.

Eligibility Requirements for Amazon's Machine Learning Scholarship

The AWS AI & ML Scholarship is designed to support students from underserved and underrepresented communities who are interested in pursuing a future in artificial intelligence and machine learning. To be eligible, students must meet age, enrollment, and background criteria, as well as demonstrate basic Python skills and English proficiency.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Must be at least 18 years old (or 16+ for select tracks)
• Currently enrolled in high school, college, or community college
• Member of an underserved or underrepresented community in tech (e.g., women, Black or Latino students, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+)
• Basic knowledge of Python
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Program Schedule and Structure

The AWS AI & ML Scholarship is structured into two main phases: a Challenge Phase and a Nanodegree Phase. These stages are designed to gradually build foundational AI and ML knowledge, leading to more advanced and career-focused learning.

Here's a quick timeline of what to expect:

• Challenge Phase (May to early August):
  • A 20-hour self-paced online course: “Introducing Generative AI with AWS”
  • Two hands-on projects to apply what you’ve learned
  • Certificate of completion and eligibility for a technical assessment
• Assessment Period (mid-August):
  • Take a track-specific technical test
  • Performance determines eligibility for the Nanodegree phase
• Nanodegree Phase (late August to late November):
  • 4-month scholarship to complete one of three Nanodegree programs
  • Requires ~10 hours per week of commitment
  • Includes career support, project-based learning, and mentoring
• Advanced Nanodegree (invitation-only):
  • Offered to top-performing students
  • Covers more advanced topics in machine learning

Udacity's Nanodegree Program

Udacity is an online education platform known for offering "Nanodegree" programs—intensive, hands-on credential courses focused on job readiness in fields like data science, programming, and artificial intelligence. Through this scholarship, AWS covers the full tuition for students to complete one of Udacity’s AI-focused Nanodegrees.

• Udacity partners with AWS to deliver the program content and mentoring
• Students can choose from one of three Nanodegree tracks:
  • Future AWS AI Scientist
  • Future AWS AI Engineer
  • Future AWS Business Intelligence Engineer
• Nanodegrees are project-based, self-paced, and supported by technical mentors
• Top students may be invited to a second, more advanced Nanodegree at no cost

The AWS AI & ML Scholarship is a unique opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to gain real-world AI skills, industry mentorship, and hands-on project experience. With no cost to participants and a clear path from foundational learning to career readiness, this program can be a powerful entry point into one of today’s fastest-growing fields.

Key Features of the AWS Scholarship Program

Hands-On Learning with AWS DeepRacer:

The program begins with AWS DeepRacer Student, where participants dive into the fundamentals of machine learning by training models to race autonomous cars in a virtual environment. This engaging approach aims to make complex concepts accessible and fun.

Advanced AI Education:

Once AWS DeepRacer is completed, successful students can access the Udacity Nanodegree Program Scholarship. Udacity AI Programming uses the Python language and is composed of a robust course that covers essential AI and ML skills. This training prepares participants to solve real-world problems and positions them for advanced roles in the tech industry.

Exclusive Networking and Mentorship Opportunities:

Participants aren't just students but future professionals. The program and course offer access to virtual mentoring events with industry leaders, providing guidance and insights crucial for career development. These connections are invaluable for building a professional network in the AI and ML fields.

Pathways to Further Education and Career Growth:

The journey continues for the top 500 graduates with a second AWS ML Fundamentals Nanodegree scholarship. This more advanced, additional nano degree program delves deeper into machine learning, focusing on real-world applications and emerging trends, further enhancing participants' career prospects.

Real-World Impact: From the Classroom to the Community

One of the exciting initiatives of the AWS AI & ML Scholarship Program is not just about the skills but also about applying them to make a difference in the tech world (and the virtual mentoring events).

Graduates already use what they've learned to solve pressing community problems. For instance, students from all over the world can work on real-world problems, such as improving agriculture efficiency in Kenya.

These success stories highlight the program's broader impact on the world's needs, shaping careers and driving social and environmental change with its comprehensive AI training program and machine learning course.

Frequently Asked Questions About the AWS in USGIF Scholarship?

What are the career opportunities after completing the AWS AI & ML Scholarship Program?

Graduates and scholarship recipients of the AWS AI & ML Scholarship Program are well-equipped to pursue careers in AI and ML, two of the fastest-growing technological fields. The scholarship program provides:

• Foundational skills and advanced knowledge
• Making participants strong candidates for roles such as machine learning engineers
• Data scientists
• AI specialists

Can I apply for the AI & ML Scholarship if I don't have a technical background?

Yes, the program aims to make the future tech workforce better by welcoming students from all academic backgrounds. The AI training program starts with intro concepts, ideal for beginners. The Udacity Nanodegree scholarship will give you practical Python and machine learning practical knowledge (no prior experience needed). Additionally, the program's focus on real-world applications ensures that students are ready to solve problems, enhancing the student-only version disparity between school assignments and projects, which can provide a strong portfolio for employability.

What if I need more time to complete the coursework?

The Udacity Nanodegree scholarship is structured as a 4-month program, yet flexible pacing options exist to accommodate different schedules. The program allows students to request extensions if needed. Every participant maintains access to course materials after completion, ensuring you can continue developing skills for the future tech workforce at your own pace.

How does the AWS AI & ML Scholarship prepare me for actual jobs?

This comprehensive AI training program combines the Udacity Nanodegree scholarship with real career preparation. You'll graduate with portfolio-ready projects (like your DeepRacer model), personalized resume guidance, and connections to AWS partners - all designed to fast-track your path to becoming a machine learning engineer or other roles in the future tech workforce.

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