How to apply for the AWS Community Builders program, 2025: What I did to be One.
The 2025 session of the AWS community builders program launched on January 6, 2024, and the application deadline is January 23rd, 2025. Which means you have two weeks to complete your application.
In this article, I will share with you what the AWS community builder program is, what I did to qualify for the program, and what you can do to be part of the 2025 AWS community builders cohort. I will also share some benefits of being in the program.
What is the AWS Community Builders Program?
The AWS community Builders program is an outreach program geared towards providing resources and support to technical builders using AWS services, who create content and contribute to helping people in different communities understand AWS services while learning on AWS. The program brings in people who contribute in one way or another to AWS services, either as Ambassadors or Volunteers.
AWS community builder program was launched in 2020 by Amazon Web Services to provide more technical resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship to passionate community leaders and AWS volunteers who share knowledge and give back to their communities.
The program is launched twice a year, and it is an opportunity to join and learn from a large community of leaders and tech enthusiasts.
How do you get selected for the AWS Community Builders program?
No specific criteria are stated to qualify for the program. However, it evaluates how valuable your contribution(s) have been to the community. The application requires you to share links to activities you’ve carried out that showcase what you did in 12 months.
In this article, I will highlight what I did that potentially qualified me for the program. This should give you ideas on what to do and what resources to use.
It is important to note that THIS IS NOT A JOB.
Benefits of the AWS community Builders program
Some of the benefits of being an AWS community builder are:
- Added to a huge network of other AWS community builders
- Education and Mentorship
- AWS credits to build on the console
- One-year subscription to Cloud Academy
- Free AWS certification vouchers
- Access to some webinars
- AWS community builder swag kit
- Discount tickets to AWS re: invent (check out how this also got me a grant to attend AWS re-invent in Vegas for Free )
- More perks while you are a member of the community
How do I apply?
If you are interested in the AWS community builders program, the process starts now; you need to keep a track record of your community activities and what you have done to promote AWS services.
You can check out the FAQs here
What I did to become an AWS Community builder.
Here are some tips on what I did to be selected as a community leader; this should give you some ideas on what to do.
1. Volunteering for a Community Organization
Before applying, I volunteered with two AWS-focused African communities: Wirfon Cloud and Cloud Heroes Africa. These communities aim to introduce and teach AWS cloud computing services to African audiences for free. My roles included teaching, mentoring, and coaching, helping students understand cloud concepts and achieve AWS certifications. Through this experience, I engaged in community leadership and helped spread AWS knowledge to underserved communities.
As a Community Lead at Wirfon Cloud, I helped design a cloud computing curriculum, introduced cloud concepts to students, and organized leadership sessions. This grassroots program has supported over 900 students in achieving AWS certifications and shared resources with hundreds more.
Some of the courses are uploaded on the Youtube channel. We also have leadership sessions every Saturday. If interested, join the telegram and LinkedIn groups. We have helped over 90 students become Cloud practitioners, Solutions Architect Associates, and AWS Solutions Architect professional certifications. However, we have provided and shared resources with more than 500 students and still do.
I mentor students and help give them career advice on tech, particularly cloud computing. Give motivational talks when required and needed. I also have had one-on-one consultations with some students to help trace a path for career growth. This is pioneered by Shang Samoa Alphonse!
These are community programs that AWS encourages, which I think impacted my application.
2. I am a Blogger
I also have a website (www.shulikatata.com) on which I blog about emerging technologies and provide career resources for those either seeking to learn these technologies and how people using them can leverage them for both personal, professional, and financial growth. I have a handful of articles and some on AWS. I think this was a huge contribution to my qualifying for the Community Builders program.
3. AWS ambassador on LinkedIn
I share AWS resources and motivate interested candidates on different platforms, particularly Linkedin. I speak at community meetups and share my engagements and experiences for others to benefit.
4. Share course material on Slideshare
I upload my course materials on SlideShare to make them available for anyone interested in AWS and cloud computing. If you have educational slides or resources, sharing them publicly can demonstrate your contribution to AWS education.
5. A member of Women In Cloud (WIC)
As a member of Women in Cloud (WIC), I participate in a network that supports women in cloud computing. Membership in relevant communities reflects your dedication to cloud computing and opens opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
These were some of the activities I did that got me a spot at re: invent. You can still attend as an individual. If you have a Youtube channel, make sure to share it!
Other things you can do or you can leverage to apply for the aWS Community Builders program.
1. Create a YouTube Channel or Social Media Presence:
Do you have a youtube channel that talks about and promotes AWS services? This will be a great resource for your application. Prepare links to your content and share them with your application. If you don’t have a youtube channel but have content to share, you can create one and upload your content to it. If you’re just starting, consider publishing a few videos or posts about AWS to establish your presence.
2. Share AWS-Related Presentations:
If you have any presentations you have ever made about AWS or cloud computing services, please be sure to add them to a publicly accessible link that can be shared. I use SlideShare to share my PowerPoint presentations.
3. Highlight Interviews or Media Features:
Include any interviews, podcast appearances, or media features that showcase your AWS work. These demonstrate your authority and influence in the AWS space.
4. Document Social Media Engagement:
Any social media posts or tweets and retweets/LinkedIn reposts will also be useful if they are AWS-related and provide information to your network. Copy the link and add it to your application.
5. Attend AWS Events and Tag AWS
AWS events, community meetups, and AWS Community Day are great ways to engage with the AWS community. Sharing your experiences from these events on social media and tagging AWS will further show your involvement.
Preparing for Your 2025 AWS Community Builders Application
With the 2025 application period quickly approaching, here’s how you can start preparing today to make your application as strong as possible:
- Establish a Content Routine: Begin posting AWS-related content regularly, whether it’s through blogs, LinkedIn articles, YouTube videos, or Twitter threads. Focus on topics that help your audience understand AWS services better.
- Engage with AWS Communities: Join local AWS groups, volunteer, or attend events where you can both learn and share your expertise. The more visible you are in the AWS community, the stronger your application will be.
- Document Your Work: Keep track of all AWS-related activities, including presentations, blog posts, and social media posts. This documentation will be invaluable when completing your application.
- Build a Portfolio of AWS Projects: Create hands-on projects using AWS and share these on GitHub or your blog. This demonstrates practical AWS knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
- Add a Professional Network: Expand your network on LinkedIn by connecting with AWS professionals and other Community Builders. Engaging with their content and sharing your own AWS journey adds to your credibility.
Taking these steps now will set you up for success when applications open. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need guidance. Good luck!
