CloudBank Classroom is a lightweight, cloud-hosted JupyterHub designed for teaching. Built on an open-source stack including the programming languages Python, R, and C++ and browser-based development tools such as JupyterLab/Notebook, RStudio and VSCode, it provides each student with persistent storage, compute resources, and seamless login using their university credentials.

Preloaded with popular data science tools, the environment lets students run code, analyze data, and complete assignments directly in the browser—no setup required. Instructors can easily share materials, manage assignments, and support learners using tools like nbgitpuller and grading extensions.

By removing technical barriers, ensuring equitable access, and supporting reproducible workflows, CloudBank Classroom lowers the cost of teaching with data—while scaling to support classes of all sizes. U.S.-based educators can request access to CloudBank through the NAIRR Pilot program. The prerequisites are listed below, and the steps are summarized below:

Prerequisites

Please have the following information ready to request an NAIRR Classroom allocation on CloudBank Classroom:

Course title(s)
Abstract for course(s) that will be published on the NAIRR Pilot Allocations web pages. Provide a concise yet impactful description of your course(s) that showcase the value and outcomes of the course(s). An example template is provided below:
Our university, [University Name], requests access to the CloudBank Classroom resource to support [Course Title] - [Fall/Winter/Spring] [Year]. This course is designed to [Course abstract]. We expect approximately [Number of Students] [Type of Students, e.g., undergraduate/graduate] students will utilize this environment for interactive assignments and data analysis, significantly enhancing their practical skills.
Your course syllabus(es) in PDF format
Number of students
Dates of class

Get access to CloudBank Classroom through NAIRR Pilot

Step 1: Create an ACCESS account

An ACCESS account is required to make a NAIRR Pilot request. Go to the ACCESS user registration page to create an account. Your institutional email addresses must match your institutional affiliation listed; for example, gmail.com and yahoo.com domains are prohibited. Once you create your login, please follow the the instructions to login and setup your new account.

Please be sure to fill out Country of residence, Citizenship, and Academic status.

Step 2: Submit NAIRR Pilot Classroom request

Review NAIRR Eligibility Requirements, Proposal Instructions, and Request Your NAIRR Pilot Classroom Allocation

Step 3: Configure Your CloudBank Classroom Environment

Once your Explore ACCESS allocation request is approved, the CloudBank team will configure a computing environment for you and your students.

After the environment is set up, the CloudBank team will contact you with access instructions.
You can choose to schedule an orientation meeting to walk through the available resources—or dive right in and start using them!

Allocation Duration and Renewal: NAIRR Pilot allocations are granted for a period of one year. To maintain access beyond this initial term, instructors must submit an renewal request before the allocation expires. This ensures continued availability of resources for your course. Please see the NAIRR Pilot instructions to extend a project.