Miami will host the city's first intensive and free training program in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, an initiative aimed at unemployed, underemployed individuals and communities with limited access to the tech sector, according to the agency EFE.
The program, called AWS re/Start, will last for 12 weeks, requires no prior knowledge in technology, and will offer 25 spots in its first cohort.
The deadline for applications is August 28th.
A response to the digital divide in the U.S.
The initiative arises in response to a deficit of technological talent affecting the entire U.S. labor market.
Data from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the analysis firm Gallup reveal that 72% of employers in the United States struggle to find workers with digital skills, while nearly three out of four employees acknowledge that they need more training in that area.
This reality is compounded by the fact that, according to the National Skills Coalition, 92% of jobs in the country already require some level of digital competency, and one in three workers lacks those basic skills, with Hispanic workers being overrepresented in that group.
Juan Carlos Gutiérrez, General Director of Technology and Innovation at AWS, emphasized that the solution lies in expanding access to technological training beyond specialized profiles.
"Technology is no longer just for engineers. It is for everyone. It is human skills—such as critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration—that will help us rethink the future of work together," he stated.
Gutiérrez also noted that cloud computing, the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, and data management will be essential skills for generating new solutions within companies.
Miami, chosen for its diversity and Hispanic talent
Miami was chosen to host this first edition due to the diversity of its community, the strong presence of Hispanic talent, and the close relationship with students from the University of Miami (UM) and Florida International University (FIU), explained María Fernanda Trochimezuk, founder of IO Scholarships Foundation, the nonprofit organization that promotes the project.
Trochimezuk trusts that the program will represent a "turning point" for those involved, and made clear the social ambition that drives the initiative.
"We don't want to measure our success solely by how many people we train, but by how many opportunities we help create and how many professional paths we can transform."
The foundation also collaborates with local companies and institutions to strengthen a technological talent ecosystem in Florida, with plans to replicate the model in other markets across the United States.
Official presentation on August 29
The program will be formally presented on August 29 during the IO Scholarships STEAM Career Summit, which will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority.
The event will bring together workshops, career guidance, access to recruiters, mentoring, and direct contact with employers.
The launch is also part of the activities for Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15.
AWS re/Start was created in 2017 and has since expanded to over 270 cities in 70 countries, connecting more than 90% of its graduates with job interview opportunities.
In total, the program has helped over 30,000 people start a career in the tech sector.
Those who wish to apply for the 25 available positions in Miami can check the requirements on the IO Scholarships Foundation website before the application deadline on August 28.
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