Data Centers Have a New PR Plan: Your Kid’s Field Trip

The nonprofit 7x24 Exchange International is promoting data centers by crafting a children's story called "What is a Data Center?" The story follows a honey badger named Honey who tours a data center with a worker named Oliver. Oliver explains that data centers provide essential services to anyone, regardless of the time of day.

This approach is part of a broader strategy to engage with younger audiences and counter criticism of data center growth and energy consumption. The industry is using softer tactics, similar to those used by other industries experiencing public relations issues. The 7x24 Exchange has organized events such as Memorial Day-themed flag-making kits, a holiday called "International Data Center Day," and a crossword puzzle and science projects for elementary school students.

In Minnesota, the group arranged a field trip to a diesel power generation facility for Fridley High School students. Other companies, like Sabey and Amazon, have also hosted student field trips to local data centers, providing students with information about data center operations and potential careers in the industry.