The AWS Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Scholarship program, in collaboration with Intel and Udacity, aims to help underserved and underrepresented high school and college students learn foundational ML concepts to prepare them for careers in AI and ML. Students can take advantage of Udacity Nanodegree scholarships, mentorship, and career development opportunities by opting into the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program on AWS DeepRacer Student. Participants can earn up to two of 2,500 scholarships awarded annually to assist them in pursuing a career in AI & ML. Students qualify to apply for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program by completing learning modules and quizzes on AWS DeepRacer Student and then applying those skills by going hands-on to participate in the league.

What is the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program?

The AWS AI & ML Scholarship program, in collaboration with Intel and Udacity, is an AI/ML-focused scholarship program providing 2,500 scholarships annually, as well as a mentorship program, to students that identify as underserved or underrepresented in technology. The program aims to make the future tech workforce more diverse by removing financial barriers, providing training for a career in tech, and offering mentorship support to individuals that are underserved or underrepresented in tech.

How does the Scholarship program leverage AWS DeepRacer?

The AWS AI & ML Scholarship program uses a student-only version of the award-winning AWS DeepRacer League to qualify participants for scholarship opportunities. This league engages students with fun, hands-on learning opportunities. Students that complete the program requisites (from high school students over the age of 16 to college students) are invited to apply for one of 2,500 Udacity Nanodegree scholarships, with the opportunity to continue learning with a more advanced nanodegree, helping them prepare for a career in technology.

When does the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program begin?

Applications open for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program on April 11, 2022, with more than 20 hours of learning content, assessments, and the ability to compete in the AWS DeepRacer Student League. Students can complete scholarship requirements on AWS DeepRacer Student to unlock and finish their application.

Where is the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program available?

The AWS AI & ML Scholarship program is available globally, except where prohibited by law. See here for official terms and conditions .

What differentiates the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program from other scholarship programs?

The AWS AI & ML Scholarship program is unique because it uses AWS DeepRacer and corresponding AI/ML training content as a mechanism to inspire, engage, and educate participants in ways no other scholarship program does. Unlike traditional scholarships, all participants, not just winners, benefit from the program by learning the fundamentals of ML, AWS offerings, and the real-world problems that AWS ML solves (through content developed in collaboration with Udacity).

Program Eligibility

#Who can apply to the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program? Any student over the age of 16 that self-identifies as underserved or underrepresented in technology, and is currently enrolled in high school or college, may apply (subject to terms and conditions on Udacity).

How do I prequalify for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship program?

Prequalifying for the scholarship is based on two criteria: Review coursework and pass assessments. To qualify you must score 80% or better on all required assessments on AWS DeepRacer Student learning modules. Each assessment is based on different chapters you can find in the Learn section in the AWS DeepRacer Student navigation pane. Achieve a minimum lap time. Each month from March to September, a new leaderboard is launched in the AWS DeepRacer Student League, featuring a new track design. To qualify for the scholarship, you will need to complete a time trial lap in less than 3 minutes on any single leaderboard.

If I prequalify for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship, do I automatically receive a Udacity Nanodegree scholarship?

No. Students who prequalify for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship are given access to the application for the Udacity Nanodegree scholarship. Udacity determines which prequalified students are awarded Udacity Nanodegree scholarships.

How to know if you have completed all of the prerequisites on AWS DeepRacer Student?

By opting in to the AWS AI & ML Scholarship at AWS DeepRacer Student registration, students have their progress towards completing the prerequisites tracked automatically in the dashboard section of DeepRacer Student. When a student successfully completes all requirements, they will receive an automated email with a unique application code and instructions to finish their application on Udacity. At the close of each application period, selected recipients will receive an email from Udacity regarding their enrollment.

Am I required to provide proof of enrollment before being selected for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship?

You may be asked to provide proof of enrollment (such as a college transcript) to receive the AWS AI & ML Scholarship.

#Features and Benefits

1. Learn ML faster with AWS DeepRacer Student AWS DeepRacer Student is an all-new free service for students over the age of 16 enrolled in high school and higher education institutions around the globe.

2. Applicants can access 20 hours of AWS AI & ML content, receive 10 hours of model training, and 5 GB of storage per month to participate in the AWS DeepRacer Student League (a global autonomous racing competition exclusively for students).

3. 2,000 students per year will receive scholarships for the Udacity AI Programming with Python Nanodegree program (a $4,000 USD value). This four-month collaborative virtual course teaches programming tools and techniques fundamental to machine learning, with support from Udacity teachers in weekly group sessions.

4. 500 of the top-performing students who achieve the highest scores in the first Udacity Nanodegree program can earn a second, more advanced Udacity Nanodegree. This six-month course combines deep learning and ML engineering concepts to prepare students for a career in AI & ML.

5. Receive mentorship from AWS and Intel ML experts All 2,000 students in the program will receive tailored mentoring and career guidance through monthly “Ask Me Anything” seminars with top industry experts. Topics range from career development and networking, promoting diversity and equity in the tech workforce, to technical experience in the field.

6. Participants in the second Nanodegree program will receive a full year of one-on-one mentorship from an AWS or Intel employee who will provide guidance for both coursework and preparing for a career in technology.
   ➡️ Learn more and register here

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