Howard U and Amazon Web Services are collaborating to add courses in cloud computing

Howard University announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Wednesday to expand the university’s cloud course offerings.

D.C.’s Howard is integrating cloud computing training from programs such as AWS Educate, Amazon’s free cloud learning program, into existing programs and adding new offerings focused on development. The school created a new master’s program for data science and new cloud computing courses at the Howard Middle School of Mathematics and Science. Professors will also be receiving training on artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning and cybersecurity to add into the curriculum, adding cloud concepts into business, computer science and engineering degree programs.

University officials said the collaboration aligns with Howard 2024, its five-year plan to strengthen the institution’s academic model.

“Howard’s collaboration with AWS is focused on empowering students at various levels to learn and master the skills needed for a cloud career, exposing them to exciting opportunities throughout their educational experience,” said Howard Provost and Chief Academic Officer Anthony K. Wutoh in a statement.

Students will also have access to a cloud-focused job board, featuring full-time roles and internships at Amazon, its customers and partner organizations as well as Amazon reps to offer career advice. AWS is also supporting hackathons and pitch competitions at the school, and entrepreneurship content in Howard’s Bison Startup and Intro to Engineering classes.

Given Howard’s proximity to the new HQ2 campus, which just announced 1,900 new jobs in Arlington, the collaboration could be an ideal pipeline for students into the company.

“Howard University is a lighthouse institution not far from Amazon’s HQ2 facility, and we are preparing students not just for potential jobs with our company, but in-demand cloud positions across industries and sectors that need skilled technical talent.” said Kim Majerus, director of US Education at AWS.

In addition to AWS Education, Amazon offers training and certification programs, as well as Machine Learning University, where individuals can take the same learning courses used to train Amazon developers.