North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has joined the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy to further prepare students for careers in the fast-growing field of cloud computing services.
Beginning in fall 2025, students will be able to enroll in AWS Academy courses through NCCU’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER). The curriculum provides hands-on training, industry-recognized certification pathways, and experience solving real-world business challenges — skills that position students for success in today’s technology-driven job market.
“NCCU’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research is honored to lead this effort, bringing transformative learning experiences and cutting-edge resources to our campus,” said Siobahn Day Grady, Ph.D., IAIER director. “Becoming an AWS Academy member institution is an important step in our continued commitment to preparing students to meet the demands of today’s technology-driven workforce.”
As cloud adoption continues to rise across industries, the demand for professionals with cloud expertise remains strong. According to LinkedIn, cloud computing remains one of the top hard skills sought by employers.
AWS Academy provides higher education institutions with a no-cost, ready-to-teach cloud curriculum developed by AWS experts. The program includes lectures, labs, knowledge checks and projects that integrate seamlessly into existing courses. Faculty also benefit from professional development and mentorship to stay current with evolving industry standards.
Students who complete the coursework gain practical skills aligned to entry-level roles in cloud computing and related fields.
“AWS Academy invests in higher education to bolster the worldwide talent supply chain, building a bridge between industry and academia,” said Chris Ott, global program lead for AWS Academy. “We’re proud to support North Carolina Central University as it cultivates graduates with the real-world, in-demand skills to pursue cloud careers.”