Amazon to fund computer classes at 30 Michigan high schools

Maryann Struman
Detroit Free Press

Nearly 30 Michigan high schools are among 1,000 nationwide that will offer computer science courses this fall paid for by Amazon as part of the online retailing giant's education program.

Amazon Future Engineer is a four-part, childhood-to-career program aimed at getting more students — particularly those from underserved communities — to pursue careers in computer science and coding.

Amazon funds full-year courses designed to get more kids interested in careers in computer science.

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The classes include an introduction to computer science and advanced placement computer science courses through curriculum provider Edhesive. Amazon’s funding provides preparatory lessons, tutorials, professional development for teachers, fully sequenced and paced digital curriculum for students, and live online support.

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All students participating in this program will receive a free membership to AWS  (Amazon Web Services) Educate, which provides them with free cloud access for coding projects and content to learn about cloud computing.

Launched in November 2018, Amazon Future Engineer also will award 100 students with four-year $10,000 scholarships, as well as offer guaranteed and paid Amazon internships to gain work experience. It's part of Amazon’s $50 million investment in computer science/STEM education.

In addition, Amazon Future Engineer has donated more than $10 million to organizations that promote computer science/STEM education across the country.

The program continues to accept applications and educators are encouraged to apply.

High schools offering the program

Ann Arbor
Huron High School
Battle Creek
Battle Creek Central High School
Byron Center
Byron Center High School
Charlotte
Charlotte Senior High School
Chesaning
Chesaning Union High School
Clinton
Clinton High School
Custer
Mason County Eastern Junior High/High School
Dearborn Heights
Robichaud Senior High School
Detroit
King John R. Academic And Performing Arts Academy
Southeastern High School
Elk Rapids
Elk Rapids High School
Ferndale
Ferndale High School
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Christian High School
Michigan Virtual Charter Academy
Harbor Beach
Harbor Beach Community High School
Holland
West Ottawa High School Campus
Howell
Howell High School
Hudsonville
Hudsonville Freshman Building
Lake City
Lake City High School
Ludington
West Shore ESD Career Tech Center
Mason
Mason High School
Melvindale
Melvindale High School
Owosso
Lincoln Alternative High School
Romulus
Romulus Senior High School
Royal Oak
Royal Oak High School
Saginaw
Swan Valley High School
Warren
Fitzgerald Senior High School