Amazon Pledges $1 Billion for Communities Hosting Data Centers

Amazon plans to invest more than $1 billion over five years in U.S. communities hosting its data centers, funding education, job training, energy-efficiency improvements and local projects.

The October 2 announcement comes as data-center expansion faces opposition over electricity demand, utility costs and water use. Amazon has major projects or expansions underway in Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina, putting several Sun Belt states at the center of that debate.

Through its new Built Together program, Amazon aims to help more than 300,000 students access community-college certificates or associate degrees. The company would cover remaining out-of-pocket costs after financial aid in fields including electrical trades, HVAC, health care and advanced manufacturing.

Exclusive sponsor

SAT or ACT? Start with a free practice test.Take a full-length diagnostic from home. Get a score report and recommendations for your next steps.Find a free mock test ↗

Amazon also plans energy-efficiency upgrades benefiting more than 30,000 homes and over 300 schools and other buildings. Local foundations would help residents direct additional funding toward priorities such as parks, fire departments, housing and roads.

Those are company commitments, with participation details still being developed. Amazon says eligibility, application procedures and launch dates will vary by community and be announced through local partners. Its program overview does not provide state-by-state funding allocations.