Apple has just made a big announcement, but it’s not about a new product or service. Instead, it will be supporting the creation of two massive building projects designed to expand the opportunities available to communities of color in the US.
“For too long, communities of color have faced gross injustices and institutional barriers to their pursuit of the American dream,” says Apple’s Lisa Jackson, who is leading the initiative. “We are proud to lend our voices and resources to build new engines of opportunity that empower, inspire, and create meaningful change.”
First, it will be working as part of a larger team to launch a learning hub for historically black colleges and universities. The Propel Center (pictured above) will boast an impressive campus in Atlanta while also supporting students through a tailor-made online learning platform. Apple will offer scholarships and “innovation grants” to those attending, in an effort to foster creativity and leadership in engineering roles.
Second, Apple is planning to open its first US Developer Academy to “empower young Black entrepreneurs, creators, and coders, helping them cultivate the skills necessary for jobs in the rapidly growing iOS app economy.” The academy will be based in Detroid, chosen for its “vibrant Black entrepreneur and developer community” and will help those with little or no experience better understand what it takes to be an app developer.
This all comes as part of the $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative pledge Apple made last year. For more on the projects Apple is supporting, read its latest press release.