Students Dive Into the Cloud at AWS Bootcamp

It was an intense week of tech talk, hands-on learning, and real-world problem solving for 23 CSN students who took part in the latest AWS Cloud Bootcamp, hosted by Computing & Information Technology faculty member Karen Ahern and Jay Jackson.

From Monday through Thursday, students participated in a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “bootcamp-style” experience, diving into cloud technologies through CSN’s designation as an AWS Academy. The program is designed to help students prepare for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification — an entry-level industry credential — and make professional connections with Las Vegas’s growing IT community.

“It really gives them an opportunity to speak to professionals in our IT community so they can learn more about the upcoming jobs,” said Ahern. “They’re not just hearing about concepts — they’re building, deploying and problem-solving right there in the cloud.”

CSN student Lee Ramirez, who is pursuing a degree in cloud computing, said the experience was packed with practical value.
“You learn so much in this bootcamp,” he said. “From setting up a website using HTML to exploring AI tools — it’s all hands-on and super beneficial.”

The week wrapped up with an AWS “Jam” on Friday — a Capture the Flag-style competition led by local industry professionals Craig von Collenberg and Derek Jamison. Students worked in teams to tackle real AWS challenges and earned a certificate of completion for the bootcamp.

Thanks to grant funding, CSN is also covering the cost of the official AWS Cloud Practitioner entry level certification exam for interested students who complete the training.

“When you finish this, you feel like you really know your stuff” Ramirez added. “You can’t get that kind of experience anywhere else.”