Celebrating the 2025 AWS Champions: Visionaries transforming government and education

The Center for Digital Government and the Center for Digital Education (CDG/CDE) and AWS Champions Awards honor Amazon Web Services (AWS) customers who are setting new standards for innovation in the public sector. Curated by the CDG/CDE, this annual awards program recognizes visionary public and private sector organizations across state and local government (SLG), K–12, and higher education that are using the power of cloud computing to deliver better, faster, and more inclusive services. Learn more about the 2025 AWS Champions.

“This year’s AWS Champions represent the best of what’s possible when visionary leadership meets modern technology,” said Dustin Haisler, president of the Center for Digital Government and Center for Digital Education. “These public sector and education organizations, as well as the partners who support them, are rethinking service delivery, building digital ecosystems that serve all users, and setting a bold example for what transformation looks like in government and education.”

In 2025, the champions include public institutions and their private sector technology partners who have reimagined everything from healthcare modernization to personalized learning. Across every project is a shared commitment to solving tough challenges, expanding access, and building the digital infrastructure of the future.

State and local government champions

These agencies led bold cloud modernization efforts—overhauling legacy systems, enhancing transparency, and empowering staff with real-time data and intelligent automation:

• Arlington County Emergency Communications Center (Virginia)
  The Arlington County Emergency Communications Center implemented Amazon Connect to automate non-emergency 911 call handling, using AI to triage routine requests like storm damage and towing. As one of the first centers in the country and the first in the Northeast to adopt this approach, Arlington is pioneering AI-driven public safety communications while ensuring critical calls are still handled by live operators.
• California Emergency Medical Services Authority
  California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) modernized its emergency response infrastructure by implementing the Amorphic Data Cloud on AWS, replacing outdated, siloed systems with a unified cloud-native platform. Key improvements included migrating the California Emergency Medical Services Information System (CEMSIS), enhancing personnel reporting, and launching a secure public web portal for greater data access and reliability—all while supporting better decision-making through a new analytics layer for National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) data.

• City of Tamarac, Florida
  The City of Tamarac, Florida has transformed resident engagement with an AI-powered, omni-channel communication platform built on AWS. The solution supports multiple departments and channels, voice, SMS, web chat, video, and Alexa, while leveraging generative AI for real-time, multilingual assistance. By automating alerts, inspections, and emergency communications, Tamarac has improved service accessibility, operational efficiency, and positioned itself as a leader in civic innovation.

• Community Care of North Carolina
  Community Care of North Carolina migrated from a fragmented and rigid legacy data system to a modern cloud-based analytics platform using native AWS services. This transformation improved data processing speed by 5x and cut resolution time on data issues by over 50 percent, enhancing agility and insight delivery across North Carolina’s healthcare ecosystem.
• Division of TennCare (Tennessee)
  TennCare implemented a comprehensive cloud modernization of the Tennessee Eligibility Determination System (TEDS), which supports more than 1,500 workers processing 1.6 million daily transactions. The migration included a flawless transfer of 7 TB of data and 40 million documents, reducing processing times and delivering over $12 million in annual savings while maintaining 100 percent data accuracy.
• Hawaii Department of Taxation
  The Hawaii Department of Taxation is pioneering AI-driven innovations to improve tax compliance, document processing, and software testing—largely using its own staff and AWS tools. Key initiatives include matching public datasets to identify unreported income, using intelligent document processing to extract data from imaged tax forms, automating test scenario generation for tax return validation, and piloting a chatbot to assist internal users with tax-related inquiries.
• Jeffcom 911 (Colorado)
  Jeffcom 911 developed a groundbreaking emergency communications data analysis platform using AWS technologies, including Amazon Connect and Carbyne. By analyzing call transcripts and metadata, Jeffcom 911 can better understand non-emergency call patterns, call dispositions, and jurisdictional workloads — giving unprecedented insight into telecommunicator activity and helping optimize 911 readiness.
• Kansas Department of Labor
  The Kansas Department of Labor modernized its Unemployment Insurance system by launching a cloud-based platform in November 2024. Accessible via KansasUI.gov, the new system features a user-friendly interface, stronger security, enhanced self-service tools, and improved reporting for claimants and employers.
• Minnesota Department of Health
  The Minnesota Department of Health developed a generative AI-powered pipeline to automate medical record abstraction for COVID-19 surveillance. Using large language models and retrieval-augmented generation, the system extracts clinical data from PDFs to support real-time epidemiological research. This approach significantly reduces manual effort, improves data accuracy, and establishes a scalable model for future public health use cases.
• North Carolina Division of Employment Security
  The North Carolina Division of Employment Security (NCDES) deployed a generative AI-powered virtual assistant to help citizens navigate unemployment claims. Built with AWS, the chatbot delivers accurate, multilingual support using a secure, scalable architecture, enhancing access to services while reducing call center demand.
• Oregon Health Authority
  The Oregon Health Authority created a web app using AWS to simplify and improve how its public health lab tracks and manages test samples. The tool helps standardize data, avoid duplicate testing to save time and supplies, and makes it easier to connect with other lab systems in the future.
• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
  The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) modernized its application ecosystem by migrating key systems to AWS, improving performance, security, and user experience. A central application portal now provides seamless, secure access via AWS Cognito and OKTA, streamlining services like the Discharge Assistance Program—cutting processing times from weeks to minutes. This effort enhances transparency, data accuracy, and integration across Virginia’s public health ecosystem.
• West Virginia Department of Human Services
  The West Virginia Department of Human Services modernized its Medicaid Management Information System by migrating to the AWS Cloud. It now supports more than $5.7 billion in annual Medicaid claims, streamlining operations for more than 512,000 members and 95,000 providers.

Higher education champions

These institutions are reimagining student engagement, advising, analytics, and administration by using cloud technologies to unify data, streamline processes, and improve learner outcomes at scale:

• Children’s Learning Institute at UTHealth Houston
  The Children’s Learning Institute at UTHealth Houston has migrated and modernized CLI Engage and the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS). These two statewide platforms are supporting early childhood education in Texas—on AWS. CLI Engage offers free, research-based resources for educators and families, while TECPDS serves as the state’s workforce registry, supporting over 166,000 early childhood professionals. Together, these platforms form a powerful, integrated ecosystem for advancing early learning and professional development across Texas.
• George Washington University
  George Washington University boosted its high-performance computing system, Pegasus, by adding AWS resources to increase power, speed, and flexibility for scientific research. This upgrade makes it easier for researchers to run complex projects and shows how cloud tools can work smoothly with existing systems to support growing research needs.
• Illinois Institute of Technology
  The Illinois Institute of Technology has transformed its admissions process with an AI-powered transcript processing solution on AWS, reducing decision timelines from weeks to just one day. This innovation—built on a secure and scalable cloud foundation—enables real-time, data-informed decision-making while freeing staff to focus on more personalized engagement with prospective students.
• St. John’s University
  St. John’s University moved much of its campus technology to the cloud using AWS, making systems faster, more reliable, and easier to recover in emergencies. At the same time, the university added AI tools, upgraded reporting systems, and improved secure access for remote students and staff.
• Seattle University
  Seattle University implemented a comprehensive cloud transformation strategy using AWS, migrating its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Student Information System (SIS), and data environment to the cloud. The initiative also included new backup systems, virtual labs, and serverless integrations—modernizing every facet of the university’s IT infrastructure for greater scalability, flexibility, and resilience.
• University of Delaware
  The University of Delaware used its 200,000-hour lecture archive to create UD StudyAiDE, an AI-powered tool that builds a knowledge graph connecting topics across recorded lectures. Once verified by faculty, the system generates study aids like flash cards and quizzes, integrating them into the learning management system to enhance student learning.
• University of St. Thomas
  The University of St. Thomas is transforming its data infrastructure by building a cloud-based data lake and data mesh on AWS, streamlining access, enhancing governance, and enabling AI innovation across campus. This collaborative, cross-functional effort is accelerating automation, reducing costs, and positioning the institution as a national leader in data-driven decision-making in higher education.
• Vanderbilt University
  Vanderbilt University’s Center for Generative AI developed Amplify GenAI, an open-source enterprise platform built on AWS that gives users access to multiple AI models from leading providers. Serving thousands across the university, it supports academic and administrative tasks like document analysis, code generation, and workflow automation, all within a scalable, cost-efficient architecture.

K–12 education champions

These K-12 institutions are pioneering cloud-based solutions that enhance student success, strengthen cybersecurity, streamline operations, and deliver data-driven insights — setting new standards for digital transformation in primary and secondary education:

• Austin Independent School District (Texas)
  Austin Independent School District (AISD) began its cloud migration journey in 2017 to modernize infrastructure, reduce costs, and strengthen cybersecurity. Building on this foundation, AISD is now exploring advanced analytics and AI to enhance reporting and drive data-informed decisions across the district.
• Education Service Center Region 13 (Texas)
  ESC13’s flagship project, Pulse, is an AI-powered platform built on AWS that helps teachers save time by delivering data-informed recommendations aligned with the curriculum. Designed with strict compliance standards, Pulse integrates securely with SIS and LMS systems to personalize learning, support assessments, and empower educators with actionable insights—all while keeping privacy and security at the forefront.
• Jeffco Public Schools (Colorado)
  Jeffco Public Schools (Colorado) built a data lake on AWS to unify educational data sources and power a district-wide analytics dashboard. This solution delivers actionable insights to more than 9,000 users, enhancing data-driven decision-making and contributing to measurable improvements in student outcomes.
• Los Angeles Unified School District
  Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is advancing its cloud strategy by migrating key applications to enhance security, protect sensitive data, and improve threat detection. Using cloud-based analytics, the district supports data-driven decisions for its nearly 500,000 students and is now exploring generative AI to power virtual assistants that deliver personalized support to families and staff.
• Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA)
  The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) is transforming K-12 education with the MiGreatDataLake initiative, a modern data architecture that breaks down silos to provide deeper insights into student performance. By integrating and refining data from diverse sources, the initiative supports personalized learning strategies aimed at maximizing student success.
• Northeastern Regional Information Center (NERIC, New York)
  The Northeastern Regional Information Center (NERIC) migrated the SchoolTool Student Information System to AWS, impacting districts serving over 80,000 students in upstate New York. In partnership with Mindex, the move improved performance, availability, and security while minimizing downtime, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing success for participating districts.
• Peninsula School District (Washington)
  Peninsula School District implemented Amplify GenAI, an open-source platform, to build tailored AI applications that boost staff efficiency and support instructional innovation. From lesson planning to a custom “Labor Manager” assistant that references collective bargaining agreements, the district is using AI to streamline operations and empower educators.
• Success Academy Charter Schools (New York)
  Success Academy is piloting a Natural Language Processing integration to create an AI-powered IEP assistant for special education teachers, with plans to automate additional reporting needs in future phases.

GovTech champions

These technology providers co-created scalable, secure solutions with public agencies—powering smarter payments, case management, and digital government services.

• Euna Solutions
  Euna Solutions’ AI Project Summaries feature simplifies procurement by automatically generating concise descriptions and keywords from bid documents, reducing manual effort and improving project visibility. This leads to better supplier engagement, more qualified bids, and increased competition—ultimately saving time and costs for agencies.
• Journal Technologies
  Journal Technologies’ eProsecutor is a cloud-based justice solution that streamlines case and charge management, helping courts quickly adapt to new laws while maintaining secure, digital access to case files. Designed to integrate seamlessly into daily workflows, the platform reduces errors, ensures timely information sharing, and enables justice partners to manage cases efficiently from anywhere.
• Netsmart
  Netsmart’s Bells Virtual Scribe streamlines behavioral health documentation by capturing and accurately transcribing therapy sessions. The solution improves consistency, reduces errors and review cycles, and boosts efficiency and revenue, ultimately easing the documentation burden for providers.
• PayIt, LLC
  PayIt is a SOC 2-certified digital payments and resident engagement platform built on AWS for state and local governments. Its intuitive, cloud-based solution, boosts digital adoption, streamlines operations, and improves revenue collection with seamless integrations and no upfront costs.
• Peregrine
  Peregrine addresses the challenge of siloed data by integrating and enriching disparate sources into a unified platform, enabling more effective analysis and decision-making. From improving evacuation planning to tracking recidivism program outcomes and supporting police-community health co-response, its cloud-powered solutions—developed in collaboration with AWS, drives meaningful impact across public safety and emergency management.

EdTech champions

These companies empowered education institutions with platforms that personalize learning, enhance digital safety, and support student growth.

• CrisisGo
  CrisisGo offers a comprehensive emergency communication and incident management platform built entirely on AWS, supporting real-time response, family reunification, and cross-platform communication. Designed for security and scalability, CrisisGo uniquely combines robust data management, analytics, and usability to serve public safety agencies and their partners effectively.
• CYPHER Learning
  To address the inefficiencies of traditional LMS platforms, CYPHER Learning built an AWS-powered solution that automates course development, accelerates content creation, and personalizes learning. This modern platform reduces manual effort and scales easily, allowing educators to focus on impact instead of administrative tasks.
• Gaggle
  Gaggle Safety Management uses AI to monitor student communications for signs of self-harm, violence, or explicit content, with rapid triage and 24/7 human review. The system delivers real-time alerts and wellness insights to school leaders while maintaining student privacy.
• Instructure
  Instructure developed Ignite Agent, an AI-powered teaching assistant integrated into the Canvas LMS, to automate routine tasks and enhance educator efficiency. Built with a retrieval-augmented generation architecture, Ignite Agent streamlines workflows while promoting equity by addressing bias in educational content. Guided by educator feedback, the tool continues to evolve to meet real classroom needs with a strong commitment to ethical AI use.
• Modo Labs, Inc.
  Modo Labs partnered with Pennsylvania State University to create Penn State Go, a personalized mobile app powered by AWS that connects students to essential campus resources. This all-in-one platform offers a seamless experience tailored to the needs of today’s digital-native learners.
• Otus
  Otus uses an AI-powered platform built on AWS to streamline data analysis, automate routine tasks, and deliver personalized insights for educators and families. By reducing administrative burden and improving real-time decision-making, Otus empowers teachers to focus more on student success and well-being.
• Udemy Inc.
  Udemy relies on AWS to power its global learning platform, supporting 77 million learners and over 17,000 business customers. Leveraging services like Amazon S3 and SageMaker, Udemy enhances AI-driven personalization, enabling scalable, adaptive learning experiences that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce.

Shaping the future of government and education

“These organizations are not just modernizing systems—they are redefining how services are delivered, how students learn, and how communities thrive,” said Haisler. “We’re proud to recognize their leadership and to support their continued innovation in transforming government and education through the cloud.”

The CDG/CDE AWS Champions Awards reflect what’s possible when visionary thinking is paired with trusted technology. Congratulations to the 2025 AWS Champions—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!