Caden Wang ’26 named Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship recipient

Recipients were selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, future goals, and financial need. Amazon partnered with Scholarship America to review applications and select this year's scholars. 

“Caden reflects the very best of what it means to be a Bearcat, embodying citizenship, scholarship, and stewardship in all that he does,” stated KCD Head of School Deena Carey. “It comes as no surprise that Amazon, a global leader of extraordinary reach and influence, has recognized his promise and is investing in his continued growth through scholarship and mentorship. We are truly inspired by the difference Caden is poised to make and confident that his curiosity, character, and leadership will shape a future marked by purpose, possibility, and lasting impact.”

Computer science is among the fastest-growing professions within the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected the market for computer science occupations will grow 15% between 2021 and 2031, yet only 11% of STEM graduates earn a computer science degree, and only a small percentage of those come from underserved communities. 

Amazon Future Engineer, Amazon's global philanthropic computer science education initiative, aims to increase student access to computer science education. The program funds high-quality computer science curricula and educator professional development to help school districts build sustainable K-12 computer science initiatives. In addition to its scholarship program, Amazon Future Engineer offers virtual class chats, Career Tours, and project-based learning modules that bring role models into classrooms to help students explore computer science through real-world experiences. 

Amazon launched the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship program in 2019, awarding hundreds of students annually with up to $40,000 over four years to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science, along with paid internship offers at Amazon. This year, Amazon committed up to $8 million in college tuition. Since the program’s inception, Amazon has awarded $70 million in scholarships to over 1,700 students from historically underserved communities across the U.S.