Why “Hello World”?
Because this is every beginner’s first program, and it feels like the right place to start my first text post on this platform.
And why “You Don’t Qualify for the AWS Community Builders Program”?
I’m fairly certain that title is what made you click. But I’m equally certain that by the time you finish reading, you’ll understand exactly why it makes sense.
Before we get into the reasons, let me start with a bit of background.
Growing up, I lived in a compound house. If you know that lifestyle, you understand that community was not optional, it was built into daily life.
You were not raised by only your parents. Any adult old enough to be your parent could correct you, guide you, or step in when needed.
We shared food, responsibilities, and sometimes even discipline. There was a sense of security that came from knowing someone was always looking out for you.
That environment shaped how I think about community to this day.
And this is exactly what the AWS Community Builder Program represents.
About AWS Community Builders Program
The AWS Community Builders Program offers technical resources, education, and networking opportunities to AWS technical enthusiasts and emerging thought leaders who are passionate about sharing knowledge and connecting with the technical community.
Interested AWS builders are encouraged to apply to build relationships with AWS product teams, AWS Heroes, and the wider AWS community.
Throughout the program, AWS subject matter experts provide informative sessions, share insights on new and existing services, and offer best practices for creating technical content, increasing reach, and effectively sharing AWS knowledge across online and in-person communities.
The program accepts a limited number of members each year, and all AWS builders are welcome and encouraged to apply.
With that context, let’s ask the real question.
Do You Qualify for the Program?
At least, not in the way you probably think you do.
If your idea of “qualifying” for the AWS Community Builders Program is having multiple AWS certifications, years of production experience, or a large online following, then yes — by that definition, you don’t qualify.
And that misunderstanding is exactly why many people who should apply never do.
I know this because I almost disqualified myself before I even understood what the program was about.
What I Thought the Program Was
I joined the AWS Community Builders waitlist in late December 2024, and in hindsight, I can confidently say I had no idea what I was doing.
I didn’t know when the application window opened, what the selection criteria were, or what the program truly represented. At the time, I wasn’t even sure what being a “Community Builder” actually meant in practice.
The truth is, I joined because of a mentor.
During a Cloud Engineering bootcamp, I was under the tutelage of Mawuli Denteh, and at some point, he casually mentioned that he was an AWS Community Builder and encouraged us to read about the program. There was no pitch attached to it, just a passing statement.
In my head, I made a very naive assumption: I have an AWS certification, so I probably qualify.
So I went online, searched “apply for AWS Community Builder,” clicked the first result, and discovered that applications were not even open. There was only a waitlist.
I joined it and moved on with my life.
I didn’t read about the program afterward.
I didn’t research past cohorts.
I didn’t study what AWS was looking for.
What I did instead was continue learning, building small projects, and sharing what I was learning through YouTube videos and short articles. At the time, I saw this as nothing more than personal documentation and a way to help others who might be behind me on the same path.
It wasn’t until early January 2025, when the application window opened, and I sat down to read the actual questions, that things finally clicked.
The application wasn’t asking, “How good are you?”
It was asking, “How have you been showing up for the community?”
Now this leads to the next question.
What Really Is The AWS Community Builders Program?
The AWS Community Builders Program is often misunderstood, so it helps to be very clear about what it is — and what it is not.
What It Is
The objective of the program is to support people who are already contributing to the AWS ecosystem in meaningful and consistent ways. These contributions can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Writing technical articles or tutorials
- Creating educational videos or demos
- Speaking at meetups or events
- Mentoring others in the cloud space
- Sharing lessons learned from real-world projects
AWS does not bring people into the program to start contributing. The program is designed to amplify and support work that is already happening.
What It Is Not
To avoid confusion, it is equally important to say what the program is not.
- It is not a certification program.
- It is not a hiring pipeline.
- It is not a reward system for passing AWS exams.
Who Is the Program For?
The AWS Community Builders Program is a strong fit if you naturally do some of the following:
- Share what you are learning, even while still learning it
- Help others understand AWS concepts in simple, practical ways
- Document your journey publicly through blogs, videos, talks, or posts
- Contribute consistently, even if your audience is small
- Care about community growth, not just personal branding
You do not need to be widely known.
You do not need thousands of followers.
You do not need a long list of certifications.
What matters most is evidence of genuine contribution.
Who Is the Program Not For?
There is a saying, “What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.”
Well… maybe not.
It may not be a good fit if your primary motivation is:
- Getting a badge, title, or LinkedIn headline
- Accessing swag or exclusive perks
- Joining first and “figuring out contribution later.”
- Treating community involvement as transactional
This is not a criticism — it is simply a matter of alignment. The program works best for people who already see community as a responsibility, not an accessory.
Common Misconceptions
A few misconceptions arise every year, and they often deter good candidates from applying.
You need many AWS certifications.
Certifications can help, but they are not the deciding factor.You must already be popular or well-known.
Consistency and authenticity matter far more than reach.You must be an expert.
Many Community Builders are early- or mid-career professionals.Selections are random.
They are not. Your application reflects your history of contribution.
Why You Should Apply
Beyond the visible benefits, the real value of the AWS Community Builders Program lies in what it enables over time.
Being part of the program gives you:
- Access to a global network of practitioners who genuinely support one another
- Opportunities to grow your voice, confidence, and clarity as a contributor
- Encouragement to document your work, not perform expertise
- Structure around something you may already be doing instinctively
Perhaps most importantly, it helps you realize that you do not need to “arrive” before you contribute. Growth and contribution can, and should, happen together.
What the Process Taught Me
Looking back, I didn’t get into the program because I understood it early. I got in because my actions happened to align with its values long before I knew what they were.
If I had to distill everything I learned into three principles, they would be these:
Live your truth
Do not manufacture a persona for an application. Be honest about who you are and what you care about.
Share your learnings
Teach as you learn. There will always be someone who benefits from your perspective. No project is “too basic” or “too advanced”.
Have a clear “WHY.”
Community Builder is not a title. It is a long-term commitment. Know why you want to be part of one.
If you are already doing these things, you may be closer to this program than you think.
Join the waitlist via this link
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