DECATUR, Ill. -- Millikin University has announced its approval as a member institution of AWS Academy, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) program that provides higher education institutions with a ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum.
Beginning in Spring 2024, students can enroll in courses that teach in-demand cloud skills, allow them to solve business challenges based on actual industry scenarios, and help prepare them to pursue industry-recognized AWS Certifications and in-demand jobs.
The idea to bring AWS resources into the classroom began in the fall of 2020 when RJ Podeschi ’02, Dean of Tabor School of Business and Associate Professor of Information Systems, co-taught a Systems Administration course with Adjunct Professor and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Justin DeBo ’18. Students could use AWS resources in hands-on labs, and the course prepared students for the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam, where over 80% of the class earned the external certification. Their innovative teaching resulted in a future publication in the Information Systems Education Journal.
Joining AWS Academy will create a seamless experience for students to learn in-demand skills in courses like IT Infrastructure, Ethical Hacking, and Systems Administration.
“We are proud to make the AWS Academy curriculum available to our students,” Podeschi said. “The rapid rise of cloud computing is creating a growing number of high-quality jobs at organizations around the world, and the technical skills that students develop through this program will position them well for their careers today and in the future."
As cloud adoption has accelerated, companies worldwide are investing in their future with the cloud and need individuals with cloud skills to help them achieve their goals. According to LinkedIn data, cloud computing is one of the top hard skills companies need.
AWS Academy provides higher education institutions with a free, ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum, built by the experts at AWS, that fits into existing course structures and includes lectures, hands-on labs, knowledge checks, and projects for in-depth learning experiences. Educators receive complimentary professional development and mentorship to enhance their research capacity and industry knowledge. Students acquire the AWS Cloud skills they need to pursue industry-recognized AWS Certification and are ready to put these practical cloud skills to work in entry-level roles.
Jess Gilmore, AWS Academy Global Lead, notes that "professionals with cloud skills are in high demand as more organizations invest in their future with the cloud. We're proud to help Millikin University advance the training and learning opportunities for its students. With AWS Academy, students will be equipped with the in-demand, practical cloud skills they need to land high-quality jobs in one of the fastest-growing industries.
