Kentucky Initiative Wants College, K–12 Students to Reach for Cloud Careers

In Kentucky, both college and K–12 students will soon have access to blended learning, online learning, internships, apprenticeships, jobs and other opportunities in the cloud computing field. The Kentucky Department of Education and additional state parties, along with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the nonprofit education organization Project Lead the Way (PLTW), have all joined forces in an effort to build a cloud-enabled workforce.

The collaboration has culminated in Kentucky Cloud Career Pathways, or specific courses and educational opportunities that equip students with skillsets like computer science (CS), cybersecurity and cloud computing.

Other parties participating in Pathways include the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Labor Cabinet, Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky Community Technical College System (KCTCS). Pathways plans to infuse and expand cloud, cybersecurity and CS curriculum across Kentucky’s KCTCS and K–12 schools, according to a statement from PLTW.

The program will utilize PLTW’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curricula, which are used by more than 9,000 schools nationwide. Meanwhile, Amazon will "develop awareness resources about CS career opportunities and the importance of fortifying digital literacy," a PLTW representative said. AWS Educate job boards, for instance, will serve to map private sector employers (in Kentucky and virtual opportunities) for participants.

“Since launching our AWS Educate program, which helps educators and students to enter the cloud workforce, we’ve seen students around the world jump at the opportunity to get hands-on cloud experience,” commented Teresa Carlson, vice president worldwide public sector for AWS, in the statement.

With more than 1.3 million positions in computer and mathematical occupations expected to be open by 2022, PLTW CEO Vince Bertram asserts that it is a crucial time to provide students with high-quality, interdisciplinary learning opportunities in these subject areas. “Under the tremendous leadership of Governor Matt Bevin, Secretary Hal Heiner and Kentucky Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt, we look forward to this collaboration and the opportunity to engage and empower the next generation of computer scientists, problem solvers, innovators and creators,” Bertram said in the statement.

“The technological transformation occurring globally is changing the way we live and work at an unprecedented pace,” said Gov. Bevin. “Kentucky must be a leader in preparing our students and existing workforce to capitalize on the many job opportunities that innovation in technology is creating.”

In addition, Pathways is providing professional development for K–12 and KCTCS teachers and instructors to support the model.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • interconnected cloud icons with glowing lines on a gradient blue backdrop

    Report: Cloud Certifications Bring Biggest Salary Payoff

    It pays to be conversant in cloud, according to a new study from Skillsoft The company's annual IT skills and salary survey report found that the top three certifications resulting in the highest payoffs salarywise are for skills in the cloud, specifically related to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Nutanix.

  • a hobbyist in casual clothes holds a hammer and a toolbox, building a DIY structure that symbolizes an AI model

    Ditch the DIY Approach to AI on Campus

    Institutions that do not adopt AI will quickly fall behind. The question is, how can colleges and universities do this systematically, securely, cost-effectively, and efficiently?

  • minimalist geometric grid pattern of blue, gray, and white squares and rectangles

    Windows Server 2025 Release Offers Cloud, Security, and AI Capabilities

    Microsoft has announced the general availability of Windows Server 2025. The release will enable organizations to deploy applications on-premises, in hybrid setups, or fully in the cloud, the company said.

  • digital brain made of blue circuitry on the left and a shield with a glowing lock on the right, set against a dark background with fading binary code

    AI Dominates Key Technologies and Practices in Cybersecurity and Privacy

    AI governance, AI-enabled workforce expansion, and AI-supported cybersecurity training are three of the six key technologies and practices anticipated to have a significant impact on the future of cybersecurity and privacy in higher education, according to the latest Cybersecurity and Privacy edition of the Educause Horizon Report.