From Classroom to Career: AFE Scholar Ambassadors Transforming STEM Education

Once upon a time… in 2022, Devin Johnson, then head of Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) Talent Programs, created a plan to engage an exclusive group of underserved and underrepresented AFE Scholars (AFEs), dubbed the Scholar Ambassador Program. Their mission: To empower young people to explore their potential in computer science and STEM fields, regardless of background.

The Scholar Ambassador Program was designed to serve as a force multiplier within Amazon, focusing on community-building, student leadership development, and the exchange of valuable insights. From its inception, the program has been driven by a commitment to providing opportunities for AFEs to thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Listening Tour Insights: Shaping the Program (2023)

In early 2023, Coaction Collective conducted a comprehensive listening tour of AFEs to understand their experiences within the internship program and gauge their interest in the Ambassador Program. The feedback received was instrumental in shaping the program's direction, emphasizing the need for engagement with industry professionals, impact catalysis, and enhanced connectivity among AFEs.

With insights gleaned from the listening tour, the AFE Scholar Ambassador pilot officially launched in the summer of 2023. The inaugural cohort, comprising 33 motivated AFEs, embarked on a journey fueled by passion and purpose. Coaction Collective meticulously planned and executed eight virtual sessions, setting the stage for the program's ongoing evolution.

Empowerment and Opportunity: A Pathway Forward

At the heart of the AFE program lies a profound mission: to harness Amazon's resources and innovative spirit to inspire and prepare young people for the careers of the future. The current lead of the AFE Student Ambassador program, Betty Gessesse, Product Manager, now plays a pivotal role in realizing Devin's vision, which extends beyond merely producing engineers; it aspires to cultivate a generation of creators, thinkers, and builders capable of shaping a brighter tomorrow.

As we reflect on the journey thus far, it is evident that the AFE Scholar Ambassador Program is poised to catalyze profound change. It represents a beacon of hope for underserved communities, offering a pathway to empowerment and opportunity. With each cohort, we inch closer to realizing our vision of a world where every young person has the chance to unlock their full potential.