There is a huge difference between building alone and building with a global network backing you up. That difference is the AWS Community Builders program.
The application window for the 2026 Cycle is officially open until January 21st, 2026. Quite simply: If you love AWS and love sharing what you learn, this program was designed for you.
Here is a breakdown of what the program really is, why you should apply, and how to get in.
What is the AWS Community Builders Program?
Most people believe the AWS Community Builders program is reserved for those who are highly skilled, heavily certified, or already well known in the public domain. This assumption alone discourages many strong candidates before they even consider applying.
In reality, AWS is not selecting experts. They are selecting Builders.
These are builders who learn continuously, share openly, and show up consistently. It is not about being the smartest person in the room. It is about having the curiosity to learn and the discipline to share that journey with others.
Why Apply? (The Benefits)
Beyond just being a "nice community," this program can fast-track your cloud career. Here are the four main benefits you unlock as a member:
1. Financial Support & Training
First, the resources backing your learning are substantial:
- $500 in AWS credits: This allows you to experiment with advanced services and build complex demos without worrying about the bill.
- Certification Voucher: You receive one voucher for an AWS certification exam of your choice.
- Cloud Academy: A one-year subscription gives you access to their entire library of courses and hands-on labs to level up your skills.
2. Exclusive Access
You get an "insider edge" with the platform:
- Direct Access: Join private sessions with AWS service teams to ask questions directly to the engineers building the tools.
- Early Access & Insights: Get sneak peeks at upcoming AWS features under NDA, allowing you to experiment and shape new services with your feedback.
3. The Community Network
You join a private Slack community where you connect with like-minded people who are learning and sharing just like you. This is your chance to learn from experts, find mentors, and connect with other AWS Heroes.
4. Swag & Discounts
Finally, the fun stuff. You get a welcome kit filled with exclusive gear like backpacks, mugs, caps, and stickers. More importantly, you get a discount for AWS events like re:Invent, making attending cloud conferences much more affordable.
Who is Eligible? (Show Your Work)
You don't have to be an expert, but you do need to show that you are helping others learn. There are many ways to do this:
- Blogging: Publishing deep-dive articles on Medium, Dev.to, or your personal blog.
- Video: Creating YouTube tutorials, technical guides, or how-to videos about an existing or new AWS service.
- Social Media: Sharing valuable AWS insights and tips on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok to spark discussions.
- Community Support: Answering questions in forums, Reddit, or AWS re:Post to help others get unblocked.
- Speaking: Giving talks at cloud meetups or AWS events, whether remote or in-person.
The key is being consistent and genuine. If you are helping the community by sharing valuable content, you are eligible.
How to Apply
The application for the 2026 cycle is open until January 21, 2026.
You can submit your application here. To apply, you will need to log in with your free AWS Builder ID. Once you are in, fill out the form. It is short and asks for basic information about you and your content.
It's straightforward, but don't rush it. Take your time to gather your best links to your content before hitting submit.
Note: If you are reading this after January 21st, the application will be closed. However, you can use the same link to join the waitlist to be notified the moment the next cycle opens.
Conclusion
I’ve been building on my own for a while, but this year, I'm applying because I want to be part of this community.
If you decide to apply, drop a comment and let me know. I'm rooting for you. Good luck, and happy building!
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