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Yesterday, CBS already teased a "big and important" announcement from Apple. Now, a new program has been unveiled.
Apple today announced a new initiative for racial equity and justice. In a press release, the company stated:
Cupertino, California—Apple today announced a series of major new projects as part of its $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) to help break down systemic barriers and combat injustices faced by communities of color. These forward-looking and comprehensive efforts include the Propel Center, a first-of-its-kind innovation and learning center for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); an Apple Developer Academy to support Detroit students in coding and engineering; and venture capital funding for Black and brown entrepreneurs. Together, Apple’s REJI commitments aim to expand opportunities for communities of color across the country and nurture the next generation of leaders.
Commitments build on Apple's $100 million commitment
The initiative includes a new global innovation and learning center for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as an Apple Developer Academy and venture capital for black and brown entrepreneurs. Apple CEO Tim Cook commented:
We all share responsibility for the urgent task of creating a more just world—and these new projects are a clear signal of Apple's ongoing commitment. We're launching the latest REJI initiatives with partners from a wide range of industries and backgrounds—from students to teachers, developers to entrepreneurs, community organizers to justice advocates—working together to empower communities that have borne the brunt of racism and discrimination for far too long. We're honored to help realize this vision and align our words and actions with the values of equity and inclusion we've always valued at Apple.
The new commitments build on Apple's $100 million pledge announced last June following the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, among "countless others." Apple stated that it will build on its work to advance racial equity in education, business, and the criminal justice system. One such project is the construction of a new Propel Center, the aforementioned hub for HBCUs:
Apple Developer Academy: Opening planned in 2021
Apple is partnering with Southern Company and a number of community stakeholders to support the launch of the Propel Center, a first-of-its-kind innovation and learning hub for the HBCU community. Apple's $25 million contribution will enable the Propel Center to support students and faculty at HBCUs through a robust virtual platform, a physical campus at the historic Atlanta University Center, and activations on partner institutions' campuses.
The center will help support the next generation of leaders through innovative curriculum, technology support, career opportunities and scholarship programs. Apple also plans to open a new Apple Developer Academy in Detroit later this year:
Later this year, Apple will open an Apple Developer Academy in Detroit — the first of its kind in the U.S. Detroit has a vibrant Black entrepreneur and developer community, with over 50,000 Black-owned businesses, according to U.S. Census data. The academy is designed to nurture young Black entrepreneurs, creatives and programmers, helping them develop the skills necessary for jobs in the fast-growing iOS app economy. Apple Developer Academy courses, launched in partnership with Michigan State University, are open to all learners in Detroit, regardless of their academic background or whether they have prior coding knowledge.
The King Center is also taken into account
The programs offered include a 30-day introductory program for those considering a career in the app economy, as well as a 10- to 12-month program that helps developers build their skills. Apple also stated that it will make new investments in venture capital and banking projects that provide capital to minority-owned businesses, as well as $25 million in Siebert Williams Shank's Clear Vision Impact Fund. Apple is also contributing to the King Center, a living memorial to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior:
Next week, Dr. King's daughter and CEO of the King Center, Dr. Bernice A. King, will issue a call to action encouraging young people to get involved in their communities as part of Apple's "Challenge for Change" series - a series of conversation guides and learning-based challenges on topics related to race and inequality.
If you would like to read the full press release, you can find it here. (Image: Apple)
