AWS Public Sector Blog
Coming to a city near you: AWS State, Local, and Education Learning Days
By 2026, more than 90 percent of organizations worldwide will face challenges related to an IT skills shortage, according to a 2024 survey from the International Data Corporation (IDC) . Artificial intelligence (AI) skills are among the most in-demand, but a variety of cloud skills like architecture, data management and storage, and software development are among the top 10 needed IT skills. This skills gap is even wider in the public sector, where 60 percent of IT professionals reported in a 2024 Salesforce survey that their biggest challenge in implementing AI solutions is lack of knowledge.
To address these needs, Amazon Web Services (AWS) hosts AWS State, Local, and Education Learning Days, a series of no-cost in-person events nationwide. These one-day events provide IT professionals and business executives in state and local government (SLG) and education with hands-on learning opportunities to grow their cloud skills.
Building on the program’s success, AWS will bring AWS Learning Days to new cities in 2025. Discover how these events can help you and your organization grow and lead in the cloud.
Learning that makes an impact
AWS Learning Days provide training opportunities that empower IT professionals and leaders across the US. In 2024, the series welcomed more than 2,000 professionals from more than 150 SLG and education organizations across the country, with events in eight cities: Denver, Columbus, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Chapel Hill.
Each AWS Learning Days event features 14-20 sessions across key skills areas: AI and machine learning (ML), data and analytics, application modernization, and security. An executive track, tailored for leaders and decision-makers in SLG and education, provides actionable insights about improving service delivery with cloud technology, developing responsible AI governance, strengthening cybersecurity, and more.
A key highlight of AWS Learning Days is the diverse range of session formats. From TED talk-style presentations to interactive chalk talks and hands-on workshops, these sessions offer an opportunity for attendees to deepen their cloud knowledge across various learning levels. Interactive workshops on intelligent document processing (IDP), Amazon Connect, and zero-ETL on AWS remain popular highlights, delivering practical tools and strategies that attendees can implement immediately. Browse the catalog of 2024 session presentations here.
Inspiring keynotes and expert guidance
Each AWS Learning Day begins with a keynote speaker, followed by a fireside chat between public sector thought leaders. These sessions showcase the transformative power of cloud technology to improve lives. For example, the Chicago keynote featured Dr. Adrienne Kline, head of AI and engineering at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute’s Center for Artificial Intelligence at Northwestern Medicine. Philadelphia attendees heard from Dr. Ariana Familiar from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
At each event, attendees can connect directly with AWS solutions architects at the “Ask the Experts” desk. These one-on-one conversations address attendees’ unique organizational challenges related to cloud technology. The AWS Marketplace team shows attendees how to streamline procurement, enhance security and governance, and optimize costs by purchasing AWS-powered products through AWS’s curated digital storefront.
On-site strategic AWS Partners also demonstrate how independent software vendors (ISVs), system integrators (SIs), and education technology (EdTech) and government technology (GovTech) companies use AWS to deliver tools and services that accelerate modernization and improve public sector services.
Building networks that matter
In addition to developing cloud skills, AWS Learning Days helps attendees foster meaningful professional connections. The collaborative environment of these events lets attendees meet and grow with other professionals in their region to share best practices and actionable cloud strategies. Attendees leave AWS Learning Days with expanded skills and networks to help them better support the people they serve.
Join us in 2025
In 2025, AWS Learning Days will continue, reaching cities in New York, Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Utah, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.—with additional locations to be announced soon.
These events will build on the strong foundation of 2024, delivering actionable skills training, one-on-one cloud guidance, and opportunities to explore innovative solutions. Whether you’re just starting to adopt the cloud or looking to expand your expertise, there’s a place for you at AWS Learning Days.
Learn more about upcoming events, frequently asked questions, and more at the AWS Learning Days main page.