Image Source : The Indian Express
Amazon India has expanded its flagship Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) program by launching 500 new scholarships for female engineering students, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education and gender equity in the technology sector. The announcement comes as the first cohort of AFE scholars graduates, with many securing placements in top-tier tech firms. The initiative is designed to support academically talented women from underserved communities and equip them with the tools to thrive in India’s digital economy.
Scholarship Structure And Eligibility
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Each selected student will receive Rs 2 lakh over four years, disbursed as Rs 50,000 annually
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A laptop will be provided to support academic and technical learning
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The program targets female students from low-income households pursuing engineering degrees, with a focus on computer science, IT, and related disciplines
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Applications for the 2025–2029 academic cycle are open until November 30, 2025
Beyond Financial Aid: A Holistic Support Model
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Students will participate in technical bootcamps to build foundational and advanced skills in coding, data structures, and software development
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Paid internships at Amazon will offer real-world exposure to engineering roles and corporate work culture
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One-on-one mentorship from Amazon engineers will guide students through academic challenges and career planning
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Leadership workshops and peer networking events will help scholars build confidence and communication skills
Impact And Success Metrics
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Since its launch in 2022, the AFE program has awarded 1,700 scholarships across four cohorts
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Over 80 percent of the first batch of graduates have secured jobs at Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon
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Success stories include students from tier-2 and tier-3 towns such as Latur, Chaibasa, and Bhagalpur, who have transitioned into full-time tech professionals
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Graduates have entered roles in software engineering, data analytics, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity
Partnership With Foundation For Excellence
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Amazon has partnered with the Foundation for Excellence (FFE), a non-profit organization that supports academically gifted students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
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FFE manages the selection process, ensuring transparency and merit-based evaluation
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The partnership ensures that the program reaches students who need it most, while maintaining high academic and ethical standards
Leadership Commentary
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Prateek Agarwal, Amazon Future Engineer Lead, emphasized that the program is about unlocking potential and creating pathways for women to lead in tech
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Ram Kolavennu, CEO of FFE, praised the initiative for its long-term vision and its ability to transform lives through education and mentorship
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Testimonials from past scholars highlight the program’s role in boosting self-confidence, technical proficiency, and career readiness
Strategic Alignment And Broader Goals
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The AFE initiative supports Amazon’s global mission to democratize access to computer science education and reduce gender gaps in STEM
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It aligns with India’s national goals of digital empowerment, skilling, and inclusive education
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By investing in early-stage talent, Amazon aims to build a more diverse and innovative tech workforce in India
Conclusion
Amazon India’s announcement of 500 new scholarships under the Future Engineer program marks a powerful step toward building a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem. Through financial support, mentorship, and real-world experience, the initiative is shaping a new generation of women engineers ready to lead and innovate. As applications open for the next cycle, the program continues to redefine what’s possible for young women in India’s digital future.
Sources: Telegraph India, The Hans India, About Amazon India, Higher Education Review, BW People.
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