Customized curriculum helps educate and establish the future talent that can become part of the next generation workforce in the digital economy

EdgeConneX®, a pioneer in global Build-to-Suit and Build-to-Density data center solutions, today announces notable progress in its education initiative, just two months after its launch, aimed at inspiring and equipping K-12 students with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy. The program has successfully enrolled half a dozen public schools in Union City, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, and gained district approval in Newark, New Jersey, marking a major milestone in its mission to bridge the growing talent gap in the digital infrastructure and AI sectors.

The EdgeConneX Education Program, formed in coalition with partners Hello World CS and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award USA (Award USA), aims to create clear pathways from the classroom to careers in technology. By providing students with tools, skills, and confidence in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cloud technology, the initiative addresses a critical industry need while empowering local communities.

Program Momentum and Regional Milestones

In Union City and Fulton County, Georgia, EdgeConneX has enrolled four schools into the program. Professional development for teachers is already underway, with the innovative, hands-on curriculum slated to launch in classrooms as early as this Fall semester. As part of a three-year sponsorship through the 2028 school year, EdgeConneX is also finalizing the enrollment of additional schools, expected to join in early 2026.

In Newark, New Jersey, the program has received district approval to launch in two specialized schools: Newark Technology High School and Data Science High School. Teacher development is set to begin, with plans to introduce the curriculum to students later this year.

"Seeing this program come to life so quickly in Union City and Newark schools is a testament to the power of our partnerships with Hello World CS and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award USA. We are not just talking about bridging the AI talent gap; we are actively building the pathways that will empower students to become the digital infrastructure leaders of tomorrow. This is a long-term commitment to our communities, ensuring we grow and support talent from the ground up." - Phillip Marangella, Chief Marketing and Product Officer - EdgeConneX

Partner Perspectives

"Union City is proud to partner with EdgeConneX to bring these world-class opportunities to our students. Their education program is a direct investment in our community's future, paving the way for our children to thrive in the AI era. It provides them with the knowledge and real-world experience to become the next generation of technology leaders, and we are thrilled to see this initiative come to life in Union City and Fulton County schools." - Mayor Vince Williams of Union City, GA

"Our partnership with EdgeConneX is built on a shared vision to demystify emerging technology and make it accessible and engaging for every student. By harnessing the power of AI and VR, we’re transforming learning into immersive experiences that empower students to see themselves as creators and innovators, building confidence, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging in the careers of tomorrow. In partnership, we’re creating a future-ready generation equipped to innovate and lead." - Sabina Bharwani, Founder of Hello World CS

“Our partnership with EdgeConneX, Hello World CS, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA brings Newark students direct access to emerging fields like AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. By connecting classroom learning with real-world career pathways, we are expanding opportunities for our young people and preparing them to lead in a rapidly changing digital economy.” - Roger León, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools

“This collaboration brings powerful hands-on learning to our students and strengthens the academic foundation we’ve built in data science and technology. With new tools, training, and exposure to the digital infrastructure industry, our students gain invaluable insight into emerging careers and greater confidence in their ability to succeed in them.” - Dr. Liana Summey, Principal of the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology

"Preparing our students for the future of work requires more than traditional academics; it demands exposure to real-world career pathways and cutting-edge skills. The collaboration with EdgeConneX, Hello World, and Award USA provides our teachers with invaluable professional development and gives our students a direct line of sight into the digital infrastructure industry. This is how we build a truly ready workforce." - Principal Edwin Reyes, Newark Technology High School

"Award USA is centered on developing character, resilience, and essential life skills through experiential learning. By connecting students with data center tours, industry speakers, and internship opportunities, our partnership with EdgeConneX provides a tangible framework for personal and professional growth. We are helping young people discover their potential and build meaningful pathways to rewarding careers." - Suzanne Currie, Chief Executive Officer - The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award USA

This first wave of school enrollments represents a significant step in the program's long-term vision. Award USA will further enhance the scale of the program with access to dozens of schools that they have established relationships with in the US and hundreds of schools around the world. They will also add to the curriculum by facilitating data center tours, organizing sessions with industry speakers, and creating internship opportunities to inspire and inform students. The Hello World CS curriculum leverages AI and VR to deliver immersive, project-based STEM experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem solving. Designed for students from 1st through 12th grade, it builds a continuous pathway in computer science and AI literacy, preparing them for the most influential and transformative roles in society.

EdgeConneX and its partners are actively working to expand the program's reach by inviting other school districts in their operational communities to explore collaboration opportunities. Additionally, EdgeConneX views this initiative as an open-source development and intends to collaborate with other data center operators and digital infrastructure providers to further scale the program to more markets and schools worldwide.

EdgeConneX: edgeconnex.com

Hello World CS: https://www.helloworldcs.org/

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award USA: https://usaward.org/

About EdgeConneX

Backed by EQT Infrastructure, part of the global investment organization EQT, EdgeConneX provides a full range of sustainable data center solutions worldwide. We work closely with our customers to offer choices in location, scale, and type of facility, from Build-to-Suit to Build-to-Density. EdgeConneX is a global leader in anytime, anywhere, and any scale data center services for a diverse portfolio of industries, including Cloud, AI, Content, Networks, and more. With a mission dedicated to taking care of our customers, our people, and our planet, EdgeConneX strives to Empower Your Edge.

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