The future of tech isn’t a product. It’s people.
We believe people from every background, race, and gender have a right to pursue their dreams. We partner with organizations that give them that chance, whether they’re taking their very first classes or starting their first jobs.
Equipping schools with technology and knowledge through ConnectED.
One way we can make a lasting impact on the future is by starting at the earliest stages of education. Many schools don’t have the resources to provide their students with the latest tools. Tools that are crucial to strengthening students’ talents so they can reach their full potential.
We’ve joined President Obama in support of the ConnectED initiative by committing our products, our knowledge, and our passion for learning to 114 underserved schools across the country. We’re focusing on schools where at least 96 percent of the students are eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program, so we can make a difference in areas that need it most. We believe in the power of education to go beyond the classroom. And that as students grow and learn, the community also gets stronger.
114 schools are receiving Apple ConnectED grants.1
29 states across the country are represented among the recipients of Apple ConnectED grants.1
ConnectED provides schools with greater access to innovative education.
Providing technology for every student and teacher.
We want to make sure all ConnectED students and teachers are equipped with the tools they need. We give each student an iPad, each teacher an iPad and a MacBook, and each classroom an Apple TV. We also collaborate closely with faculty to help them get the most out of the technology. And we’re working with key partners to provide essential technologies that schools need, such as broadband Internet, at no cost. With the help of educational publishers and Wi-Fi providers, we can also make it easier to get ebooks and other materials.
Customizing support for each and every school.
Different schools have different needs. Some may be too isolated to access up-to-date technology. Others simply lack the funding to provide some basic tools and resources, despite the efforts of teachers and families. Our Apple education teams work closely with all ConnectED schools to make sure their technical and educational needs are met. It’s a long-term project, and we’re committed to its success.
Introducing kids to coding at the Apple Store.
Coding is a language. The younger you start, the easier it is to learn. And we’re helping educate the next generation of coders. For the past two years, we’ve partnered with Code.org to host an Hour of Code in Apple Stores around the world. It’s an annual workshop led by Apple staff that makes computer science fun and accessible to kids. We also offer Field Trips and Apple Camp to keep kids interested in technology year-round.
Students who learned to code in 2014.
Kids who attended Hour of Code at an Apple Store.2
Kids who took the same class online.3
Improving the gender imbalance with the National Center for Women & Information Technology.
Many women show an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculums early on. But they’re not going on to graduate in those fields. In fact, since 1985 the percentage of female computing graduates has dropped more than 50 percent. And in 2014, only 20 percent of students who took the Advanced Placement computer science exam were women. This doesn’t make sense. We believe the tech industry must fundamentally change how it offers support and opportunities to women.
Building a vibrant community to support women in tech.
To encourage women to be part of the tech industry, we’ve developed a strong partnership with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). We’ve been working together for over a decade. We’re proud to be their first-ever Lifetime Partner, and we’re dedicated to supporting all aspects of their organization.
As part of our partnership, we’re helping NCWIT expand the only national talent development initiative for women in tech — Aspirations in Computing. Through this program, NCWIT and its partners give support, scholarships, and career opportunities to young women. It’s a far-reaching network where women can share advice, ask questions, and always be heard. The program offers help to students as early as kindergarten. High school and college students can even earn national recognition for their achievements. Many of the program’s alumnae go on to lead computing camps for those who follow in their footsteps.
Aspirations Award winners attend an event co-organized by Apple.
Inspiring Latinas to pursue tech careers.
The Hispanic population is one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States. But with Latinas making up just 1 percent of the tech workforce, there’s a huge opportunity. That’s why we’re helping NCWIT launch Latinas in Technology, which will encourage even more young women to get into the industry. The campaign will also provide families with the resources they need to talk to their daughters about a tech career. In addition, iTunes will be showcasing Latina role models and developers to inspire Hispanic women.
What we want to accomplish.
Work with 10,000 middle school students over the next three years.
Double the number of women earning four-year degrees in computing.
“Now is the time to harness the momentum of this growing network of technical women. Their stories deserve to be heard to ensure that every woman with an interest in computing has the opportunity to participate and innovate.”
Lucy Sanders
CEO and Cofounder, National Center for Women & Information Technology
Equalizing opportunities with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
There’s an incredible amount of talent at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We’re working with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), which provides scholarships to students at public HBCUs. We’re reaching out to students who are interested in technology and the industries that support it. We’ve designed a weeklong immersion program at Apple that helps them be successful no matter where their job path might take them.
Inspiring young innovators.
TMCF is helping us to identify, develop, and hire interns who want to get into tech. These students also attend sessions that teach them about our industry and Apple culture. Their experiences show them what success looks like and helps ease their transitions from college to the working world. This deep immersion also gives students a chance to pursue jobs at Apple once they’re out of school.
Discovering new ways to find tech talent.
Through our work with HBCUs, we want to increase the enrollment of computer science students and double the number of high-performing graduates. That’s why we created a grant program to fund faculty members who research and develop ways to propel their students forward and support their journey in tech.
“Together, we’re helping our students find the career opportunities they’re looking for and helping Apple and the tech sector find talented, diverse employees and future leaders.”
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.
President and CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- ConnectED.
- Based on total number of workshop registrations in approximately 427 Apple Stores.
- Based on reporting from Code.org that 47,896 people enrolled in Hour of Code lessons online after being directed from Apple.com.
- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- National Center for Women & Information Technology, “NCWIT By the Numbers,” 2015.
- “The Significance of HBCUs to the Production of STEM Graduates: Answering the Call,” The Journal of Educational Foundations (2012).