Amazon Web Services (AWS) is holding its D.C. summit this week, a free event at the Washington Convention Center where people will discuss cloud technology and innovation.
Part of that conversation includes the AWS Disaster Response team. June officially marks the start of hurricane season, but planning and organization around response happen behind the scenes, well before a natural disaster.
The AWS Disaster Response Jeep has high-tech equipment that allows first responders to map out disaster areas using cloud technology all without an internet connection.
AWS on Wednesday also made a major announcement around two new initiatives impacting youth in STEAM- science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
AWS is increasing its educational programs across Virginia, including a Girls Tech Series as well as AWS CloudRoom. The programs support K-12 school districts in the DMV and encourage girls to get into STEAM professions.
Amazon Web Services also announced more investments in Virginia.
Did you know Virginia is the birthplace of the cloud? More than 70 percent of the internet runs through the Commonwealth. AWS announced Wednesday it has invested $51.9 billion in VA from 2011-2021 to build AWS data centers in Fairfax, Loudon, and Prince William counties.
As for jobs, that’s on hold for now but VP of Public Sector Max Peterson says there are 8,800 AWS employees in VA and there are plans for more training programs in the future.