WIRED found that at least 11 companies and industry groups have hosted student field trips to local data centers since 2025. The tours are one part of a broader school-outreach push that also includes children’s books, classroom activities, guest speakers, mock interviews, and internships.
From flag kits to server tours
In Loudoun County, Virginia, the Potomac chapter of the Association for Computer Operations Management sponsored Memorial Day flag-making kits for 3,100 first graders across 37 schools. WIRED reports that the kits came with cards describing the data center industry’s positive impact on the local economy.
The nonprofit 7x24 Exchange International promotes International Data Center Day and offers schools data center-themed books, coloring pages, crossword puzzles, and science activities. It also visited or organized at least six K-12 events in 2026, including a Minnesota field trip where students learned about generators used to power data centers.
The outreach extends to older students. WIRED documented several Washington high school visits hosted by data center operator Sabey. Amazon hosted a February 2025 field trip at its Arlington, Virginia, AWS Skills Center, a community space focused on cloud computing and technology careers.
Career pipeline or corporate messaging?
Quincy School District communications coordinator Jessica Blancas told WIRED that the district has organized data center visits for years. She described Sabey as a long-standing partner that provides guest speakers, mock interviews, and internship opportunities. The district has also arranged all-girls visits and tours for students interested in construction or engineering.
