Amazon expands partnership with NESTS to introduce AI and coding to tribal students

New Delhi, 25th September, 2023: Amazon.in has announced the expansion of its partnership with the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, to launch the Amazon Future Engineer program in 54 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana. This expansion brings advanced block programming and artificial intelligence (AI) education to tribal students.The updated curriculum aligns with CBSE skill education standards and adds customized coding and AI courses to the existing curriculum in coding, logical sequencing, learning loops, and block programming. The 20-hour module is designed considering the current computer science exposure of tribal students. The program introduces computer science fundamentals to sixth-grade students, advanced visual programming to seventh graders, introductory AI sessions for eighth graders, and AI fundamentals for ninth graders. The pilot phase that was launched the previous year has trained over 7,000 students from grades six to eight on the fundamentals of computer science and block programming modules. In the 2024-25 academic year, a CBSE-aligned AI module will be introduced for tenth graders.

Shri Arjun Munda, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, Government of India who launched the program’s pilot phase, said, “Amazon Future Engineer Program initiative is a huge step towards ensuring that the succeeding tribal generations become well-equipped to leverage digital opportunities. Collaboration between Amazon Future Engineer program and NESTS, has the potential to bridge the academic gap existent among tribal communities, ensuring their successful careers in emerging technologies.”

Mr. Akshay Kashyap, India Lead, Amazon Future Engineer, Amazon India said, “In the last two years, 1.4 million students from over 8,000 government schools in eight states have explored and learnt computer science through Amazon Future Engineer. The scope of our partnership with NESTS was limited to students of class six to eight, which has now been extended to the students of class nine and is also including AI. It is tailored with a project-based learning pedagogy that is integrated with themes such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This partnership is very close to Amazon Future Engineer’s mission of bridging the gap between talent and opportunity when it comes to future skills and computer science education. The program has potential to scale to all EMRS schools and help the students achieve their potential and build a better world for themselves and all of us.”

Kumud Sharma, a teacher from EMRS SailanaRatlam, MP, said, “The Amazon Future Engineer program is immensely beneficial for both teachers and students. It provides access to computer science education to students who typically lack such opportunities, thereby increasing their chances of making an exceptional career. This initiative is also a stride towards the inclusion of tribal communities into the social blanket of the country.”

 Amazon's collaboration with the Learning Links Foundation (LLF) focuses on increasing access to computer science education and careers for underprivileged students. The program offers coding courses, scholarships, internships, and teacher professional development support. Amazon employees conduct Class Chat Sessions to help students explore tech careers.The Ministry of Tribal Affairs established Eklavya Model Residential Schools to provide quality education to tribal students, with NESTS playing a pivotal role in their management and operation.Amazon Future Engineer aims to make computer science education accessible from childhood to career, partnering with organizations that share its mission. Launched in India in 2021, it has collaborated with various non-profit organizations and government bodies to bring computer science opportunities to students in multiple states.