Amazon Awards $15,000 Community Engagement Grant to Hampton City Schools to Support Robotics and Technology Access

 

Amazon awarded Hampton City Schools (HCS) a $15,000 Amazon Community Engagement Grant to expand student access to robotics and technology programs across the division. The grant underscores Amazon’s commitment to fostering innovation, closing opportunity gaps, and building brighter futures for students in the Hampton community.

 

A check presentation was held on Wednesday, November 5, at Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology. Attendees included Dr. Richard Mason, Chair of the School Board; Dr. Raymond Haynes, HCS superintendent; Vice Mayor Steve Brown and city council members; members of the HCS division leadership team; Seth Black, director of career and technical education; as well as Cooper Elementary leaders, teachers, and students.

 

“There are so many high-demand, high-wage careers in technology and robotics, yet many students are unaware of these opportunities or unsure of their potential in STEM fields,” said Black. “Amazon's generous donation will help bring hands-on technology experiences to more students, allowing them to discover a passion for STEM and envision careers that can positively impact their community.”

 

The $15,000 grant will be directed toward innovative learning experiences in robotics, providing students with the tools and opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in meaningful ways. To spark curiosity and engagement, Amazon also provided participating students with squishy Amazon robots modeled after the company’s Hercules drive units, symbolizing the real-world technology powering Amazon’s operations.

 

Amazon’s partnership with Hampton City Schools reflects a shared dedication to preparing students for the future — equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in a technology-driven world.