The AWS Mobile Think Big Space is an initiative which has been launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Ireland to introduce primary school students to new technologies, and create opportunities for them to embark on a journey of programming, learning, and self-discovery.
The AWS Mobile Think Big Space, which aims to provide students, educators, and the broader community with access to high-quality resources for learning about cloud computing and technology, will bring all of the equipment and expertise needed to run a coding and robotics workshop directly into primary school classrooms in the communities where AWS operates its data centres in Ireland.
The initiative is based on the AWS Think Big Space, which first launched in Tallaght in 2022. The original programme was created together with South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and South Dublin Libraries to provide a place beyond the classroom for students to explore and cultivate an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) and STEAM-related careers. It was the first AWS Think Big Space to open in Europe.
Since launching, over 22,000 students, and 900 teachers, educators, and youth group leaders have engaged with the programme, with 70% of schools engaged in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme.
The AWS Mobile Think Big Space is designed to take all the best parts of the original space on the road, travelling to schools across Ireland and ensuring that students can engage with technology and science in a fun way through coding and robotics workshops. A typical visit will involve three 1.5-hour workshops for three full class groups over the course of the day.
AWS will focus on reaching students at risk of education disadvantage, in particular DEIS schools and community groups working with disadvantaged young people, for the free workshops offered by the AWS Mobile Think Big Space.
“At AWS, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives and create opportunities,” said Neil Morris, AWS Country Lead in Ireland. “We are committed to being good neighbours. We want as many children as possible to engage with technology in a positive way. The AWS Mobile Think Big Space ensures that students from all backgrounds can experience the fundamentals of programming and robotics at a young age.”
“The United States and Ireland have long shared a strong bond in fostering innovation and education,” said Claire Cronin, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. “The AWS Mobile Think Big Space exemplifies this enduring collaboration, empowering young minds to dream big and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.”
"We are thrilled to have the AWS Mobile Think Big Space coming to our school,” said Maria Kennedy, Home School Community Liaison at Presentation Primary School Warrenmount. “We are always looking for new ways to engage students and the AWS Mobile Think Big space does just that. Our mission at Presentation Primary School Warrenmount is to provide our students with the best possible educational opportunities, fostering their creativity, critical thinking, and passion for technology. Our students love to get out and about in the community and opportunities such as this allow them to engage in exciting experiences and to create memories with their peers.”
At AWS, we also want to ensure a future talent pipeline, and inspire the next generation to get excited about a career in tech, especially those from diverse backgrounds. This was one of our motivations for launching AWS GetIT in Ireland. AWS GetIT is a fully-funded education programme and competition designed to inspire all 12 to 14-year-old students, from underrepresented communities, to consider a future in STEM.
This year, AWS is also donating a free digital technology kit to every primary school across Ireland, as part of the Enabling Digital Technology in Primary School (EDTips) programme, which will offer free digital technology teaching resources and equipment to primary schools to prepare for the introduction of the Primary Curriculum Framework during the 2025/2026 academic year.
Investing in Ireland
Since 2007, AWS has invested in developing cloud infrastructure and services in Ireland. Across the country, AWS has also increased the number of Ireland-based employees, expanded collaborations with colleges and universities, invested in skills programmes and renewable energy projects, and strengthened relationships with local communities.
A report published by Indecon Economic Consultants in 2023 stated that AWS has increased economic output in Ireland by over €11.4 billion since 2012, contributing nearly €2.4 billion in additional economic output in 2022 alone. AWS supports an average of more than 10,000 jobs per year in the local communities across the country. Much of this economic impact relates to the construction, connection, maintenance, and operation of data centres.
AWS employs over 4,200 employees directly in Ireland, with more than 3,000 working for AWS suppliers and sub-contractors. According to Indecon, there are over 2,900 other roles in the workforce, indirectly attributable to AWS investment. The report also shows that a typical AWS data centre campus in Ireland supports over 250 full-time jobs every year.
