Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) program will introduce advanced coding and artificial intelligence (AI) modules in 100 Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) Schools. The company will also provide digital infrastructure enhancements for 30 KREIS Schools. This expansion will impact over 13,000 students in grades six to eight across 30 districts of Karnataka according to an announcement made by it on Dec 4.
Building on the success of the previous intervention, which inspired students to explore the possibilities of computer science, the expanded module will enable students to develop complex computer applications incorporating advanced programming concepts like control conditions, variables, and functions. Additionally, through project-based learning, students will also be introduced to the basics of AI with a further understanding of its relevance, future possibilities, and impact on their lives and the world around them.
This program will complement the current courses in coding, logical sequencing, learning loops, and block programming offered to KREIS schools under the Amazon Future Engineer Program. The 20-hour module is designed to take into account the current exposure of students to computer science and coding. Class six students will be taught the fundamentals of block programming, while seventh and eighth graders will be introduced to advanced programming and the basics of AI.
This initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Learning Links Foundation (LLF), which will conduct introductory coding sessions and grade appropriate coding boot camps to students in person, making computer science accessible for the schools that are often situated in remote areas. Furthermore, LLF will work with educators to provide professional development support and resources to teachers to facilitate effective computer science learning in the long run. Supplementing these efforts, Amazon employees will conduct Class Chat Sessions, guiding students on diverse career opportunities within the tech industry and providing insights on pathways to achieve their goals.
Amazon introduced AFE in India in 2021 and has partnered with several education-focused non-profit organizations, including Leadership for Equity, Learning Links Foundation. Amazon Future Engineer is a computer science education program that allows all young people to explore their potential and build a better world for us all. As a childhood-to-career program, AFE offerings starts with primary schooling and continues through secondary into career. Under this program, Amazon has also offered scholarships and internships to girl students interested to make a career in the tech industry.
