Education

Impact Report
October 2024

Eduardo Salcedo (center) with students at Miami Dade College exploring the Xcode interface.
Table of contents
Welcome 3 Racial Equity and Justice Initiative 33
Our commitment to education 5 Overview 34
Our impact by the numbers 6 Expanding access to create possibilities 35
Supporting learning worldwide 7 Creating culturally relevant learning experiences 37
Cultivating skills in the artists of the future 39
Educator Development 8 Transforming teacher education through culture and technology 41
Preserving culture while creating opportunities 43
Overview 9
Building confidence and skills through second chances 45
Launching student success through STEAM explorations 10
Fostering inclusivity in AIML research 46
Transforming careers and computer science education across Illinois 12
Empowering HBCU women in tech: mind, body, and soul 47
Full STEAM ahead for educators and students in Los Angeles 14
Sparking creativity and innovation across Wandsworth 15
Fostering a culture of collaboration through professional learning 17 Resources 50
Inspiring a new generation of educators 18

Out-of-School Time 19
Overview 20
Building code and community for equity in tech 21
Growing talent through collective impact 24
Designing a program to inspire the next generation of innovators 26
Inspiring college success through creativity and coding 28
Unlocking new solutions for a new world 29
Inspiring young adults to reach their full potential 31
Breaking the cycle of generational poverty through education 32

Education Impact Report | October 2024 2

Welcome
At Apple, our values shape everything we do. From the With this report, we‘re bringing all those efforts together in
technology we make to the impact we have on the world one place. That includes our Community Education Initiative,
and one another, these values are a testament of what where we partner with schools and nonprofit organizations
it means to do well by doing good together. And that is to support coding, creativity, and career opportunities in
reflected in our commitment to education. underresourced communities. It includes our Apple Developer
Academies, which bring coding education and skills training
Since the beginning, education has been a core value at Apple. to developers and entrepreneurs around the world. It includes
And during that time, we have seen the power of education free resources — like Everyone Can Code, Develop in Swift
at work to open new doors of opportunity, teach new skills, Tutorials, Everyone Can Create, Challenge for Change, and
and give people the tools they need to build a better, more Today at Apple sessions at Apple Store locations around the
equitable world. world — that help parents and educators teach new skills and
people serve their communities. And it includes the more than
It starts with making tools that are great for learning, both one million teachers we‘ve reached with programs like Apple
in the classroom and beyond. Every day, teachers and LearningCoach, Apple Distinguished Educators, and the Apple
students use our technology to follow their curiosity, express Education Community.
their creativity, and discover the world around them. Lisa Jackson
This report is a testament to the incredible educators, learners,
But that’s just the beginning of our work in education. community members, and Apple teams who make this work Vice President, Environment, Policy,
For decades, we’ve expanded access by helping learners, possible. From communities and countries around the world, and Social Initiatives
educators, and families broaden the boundaries of the they have rallied around a simple but profound belief that
classroom, serve their communities, and realize their education is the key to unlocking a better tomorrow.
full potential.
Meeting these remarkable leaders is one of the great privileges
We do that in three key ways. We empower educators, so of my job. And what I hear from them — their values, their
they have the resources and tools to maximize their impact. stories, and their commitment to their communities — fills me
We invest in out-of-school activities, because learning and with optimism for the future.
development can happen anywhere. And we make our work
in education a force for equity by partnering with schools Tomorrow’s coders, creators, innovators, and leaders are
and community organizations through our Racial Equity and making their impact known today. At Apple, our focus is
Justice Initiative. giving them the tools to keep going, keep learning, and
keep creating the change they want to see in the world.

Lisa Jackson

Education Impact Report | October 2024 3

“Education is in Apple’s DNA.
From our earliest days,
we’ve cared about making
the best technology to help
students learn, and in the
process, discover new
things about themselves
and the world around them.”
Tim Cook
CEO
Our commitment 1983 Kids Can’t Wait

to education 1985 Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT)

1995 Apple Distinguished Educator

For over four decades, we’ve worked alongside
innovative educators and researchers to understand 2007 Apple Distinguished Schools
the role of technology in learning. And together,
Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow Today
we’ve designed products, programs, services, 2008 (ACOT2), Challenge Based Learning

and tools for learners of all ages. We know that

2013 First Apple Developer Academy
increased access to education gives people more
ways to follow their passion and realize their 2014 Apple and ConnectED Initiative
potential. We’re committed to this work because
Apple Teacher, Everyone Can Code,
we believe in the power of education to drive 2016 Classroom app
equity and opportunity — and have a profound
2017 Elements of Learning
impact on communities around the world.
2018 Everyone Can Create, Schoolwork app

2019 Community Education Initiative

Racial Equity and Justice Initiative,

2020 Challenge for Change

2022 Apple Learning Coach

2023 Apple Education Community

Level five student at John Burns Primary school in Wandsworth uses Keynote and Apple Pencil to create a presentation on iPad for history class.
 Apple has supported

Our impact by millions

of students and teachers
the numbers worldwide through free education programming
and resources, including our Community Education
Initiative, Everyone Can Code, Everyone Can Create,
and more.

200+
Apple education grant partners with programming
in nearly 2,000 locations worldwide since 2019.

10,000 Apple-created learning Hello

teachers resources are available in
!" Bonjour
received grant-funded Apple
professional learning since 2019.
18 Ciao 반가워요
25,000+ languages, including
Spanish, Mandarin,
Arabic, and four
Hola สวัสดี
students have completed Indigenous languages. Osiyo Olá
Apple Developer Academy and
Foundations programs worldwide.

Learners in

6,000+ 100+
One million new coding and creativity countries
members in the Apple Education Community, where courses hosted in communities have engaged in Apple
educators build skills, share inspiration, and spark worldwide by Apple education grant partners’ education
active learning for students and with peers. grant partners since 2019. programming since 2019.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 6

Supporting learning worldwide
Afghanistan, Khushal Khan, Australia, Allambie Heights, Brunswick, Brunswick East, Burnley, Darlington, East Melbourne, Eveleigh, Kemps Creek, Leederville, Marrickville South, Melbourne, Merewether Heights, Nhulunbuy, Potts Point, Randwick, Rosebury, St Kilda, Strawberry
Hills, Sydney, The Domain, Belgium, Brussels, Brazil, Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Cambodia, Pursat, Canada, Akwesasne, Anzac, Baddeck, Cambridge Bay, Dettah, Dokis, Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, Kugluktuk, Lethbridge, Moosonee, Ohsweken, Ottawa, Red Deer, Taloyoak, Tsuut'ina
Nation, Colombia, Corregimiento, Denmark, Copenhagen, France, Montreuil, Neuilly Sur Seine, Paris, Rouen, Germany, Baumholder, Berlin, Giessen, Kelsterbach, Marburg, Wiesbaden, Ghana, Accra, China, Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Haidian,
Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Minhang District, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tai Kok Tsui – Kowloon Taipei, Taipei City, Wuhou District, Xicheng District, Ya’an, Guyana, Lethem, Hungary, Pilisszentlászló, Szentendre, Iceland, Reykjavik, India, Ajmer, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad,
Jayanagar – Bangalore, Koramangala–Bangalore, Kothrud, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Indonesia, Fakfak, North Sumatra, Ireland, Cork, Dublin, Israel, Jerusalem, Reshon Lezion, Tel Aviv, Italy, Firenze, Grugliasco, Milano, Naples, Napoli, Roma, Salerno, Vicenza, Japan, Chiyoda
City, Jinsekikogen, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Toshima-Ku, Kenya, Kauro, Kilifi, Marula Ln, Mtito Andei, Nairobi, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Lebanon, Beirut, Liberia, Monrovia, Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Malaysia, Kuching, México, Ameca, Benito Juarez, Cholula, Ciudad De
México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Coyoacán, Cuajimalpa, Guadalajara, Mexicali, Mexquitic, Monterey, Monterrey, Naucalpan, Puebla, Pueblo, Tapachula, Tijuana, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Den Haag, Haarlem, Romeinenpoort, S-Gravenhage, New Zealand,
Hamilton, Northern Ireland, Belfast, Co. Down, Londonderry, Peru, Interoceanica Norte, Moyobamba, Philippines, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Poland, Warszawa, Rwanda, Kigali, Scotland, Clydebank, Dundee, Finnieston, Glasgow, Milngavie, Singapore, Singapore,
The Adelphi, South Africa, Cape Town, South Korea, Pohang, Yuseong, Spain, Madrid, Murcia, Sweden, Stockholm, Tanzania, Dodoma, Thailand, Mueang Pathum Thani, United Kingdom, Ancoats, Birmingham, Bower Ashton, Bristol, Brockworth, Bromley, Bury, Chatham,
Churchdown, Coventry, Doncaster, Droylesden, Droylsden, Ellesmere, Enfield, Handsworth, Harold Hill, Kent, Levenshulme, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Middleton, Netherton, Nuneaton, Openshaw, Redcliffe, Reddish, Rotherham, Somerset, Staffordshire, Stalybridge, Walsall,
Warwickshire, United States, Ada, Adrian, Agoura Hills, Aiea, Akron, Albany, Alexandria, Allendale, Alpharetta, American Falls, Amherst, Ann Arbor, Antioch, Apex, Arcadia, Armonk, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Auburn Hills, Aurora, Austin, Avery, Bainbridge Island, Baltimore,Bancroft,
Baton Rouge, Beaumont, Bellefontaine, Belleville, Bellflower, Bellport, Beloit, Bennington, Berkley, Bexley, Birmingham, Blackfoot, Blacksburg, Bloomington,
Bluejacket, Boise, Boston, Bothell, Boulder, Bowie, Brentwood, Bridgeport, Brimley, Bronx, Brooklyn, Buda, Buffalo, Burton, Byng, Caldwell, Camarillo, Camden,
Campbell, Canby, Canfield, Canton, Carson, Cascade, Cedar Park, Center Line, Challis, Chandler, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Chevy Chase, Cheyney,
Chicago, Chico, Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Circleville, Cleveland, Clifton, Clinton, Clinton Township, Coeur D’ Alene, Columbia, Columbus, Commerce City, Compton,
Coral Springs, Cordova, Coshocton, Cottonwood, Creedmoor, Cupertino, Custer, In just the last five years alone, Dallas, Danville, Davis, Dayton, Daytona Beach, Dearborn, Decatur, Decatur Dekalb,
Defiance, Delaware, Denmark, Denver, Detroit, Dix Hills, Doral, Dover, Downey, Downingtown, Dreary, Duluth, Durango, Earle, East Lansing, East Orange, East Palo
Alto, East Point, Eastpoint, Eastpointe, Eaton, Eben Junction, Edison, El Monte, El Apple has helped education partners Segundo, Elgin, Elizabeth City, Elizabethton, Elko, Elyria, Emmalena, Escanaba,
Evanston, Ewing, Fairfax, Fairfield, Fairview, Falls Church, Farmington Hills,
Franklin, Frankline, Fremont, Frisco, Fullerton, Gainesville, Gallipolis, Galloway,
provide direct programming for Fayetteville, Ferndale, Findlay, Fond Du Lac, Fort Valley, Fort Worth, Fort Yukon,
Gambier, Garden City, Garden Valley, Gardena, Gary, Georgetown, Germantown,
Girard, Gladstone, Glendale, Glenpool, Goldsboro, Gooding, Gore, Grambling,
Greensboro,Grove City, Guadalupe, Hadley, Hagerman, Hamilton, Hamilton Town-
students and educators across Grand, Grand Rapids, Grangeville, Grants Pass, Graytown, Green Cove Springs,
ship, Hampton, Hamtramck, Harbor City, Harper, Hartford, Hartshorne, Hawkins,
Hawthorne, Hayward, Hazel Green, Hermitage, High Point, Highland Park,
Huntsville, Indianapolis, Inglewood, Ironton, Ironwood, Irvine, Irving, Jackson,
six continents. And through our Hillsboro, Homedale, Hominy, Honolulu, Hopewell, Houston, Humble, Huntington,
Jacksonville, Jamaica, Jefferson, Jefferson City, Jerome, Jersey City, Juliaetta,
Kamiah, Kapolei, Katy, Kearny, Kellogg, Kenton, Kentwood, Keystone Heights, education grant partners’ virtual Killbuck, Kissimmee, Kuna, La Habra, Lake Leelanau, Land O’ Lakes, Lapwai, Largo,
Las Vegas, Lawrence, Leander, Lebanon, Leland, Lewis Center, Lewiston, Lexing- ton, Lima, Lincoln University, Lisbon, Little Falls, Little Rock, Locust Grove, Locust
Valley, Lomita, Long Beach, Longmont, Los Angeles, Louisville, Ludington, programming, we’re supporting Ludlow, Lynn, Lynnwood, Lynwood, Macomb, Madison, Malad, Manistique, Manor,
Mansfield, Maple City, Maplewood, Marble City, Marietta, Marion, Marquette, Marshall, Massillon, Mcallen, |Mcarthur, Mccall, Mcconnelsville, Mckeesport, Melba,
Memphis, Meridian, Mesa, Miami, Middleburg, Middleton, Midlothian, Milpitas, learners in more than 100 countries. Milwaukee, Missouri City, Mobile, Montegomery, Monterey Park, Montgomery,
Morgan Hill, Morristown, Moscow, Mountain Home, Mountain View, Mt. Morris, Mt. Clemens, Mt. Gilead, Muldrow, Munhall, Murtaugh, Muskogee, Nampa,
Napoleon, Nashville, New Brunswick, New Haven, New Meadows, New Orleans, New Philadelphia, New York, New York City, Newark, Newberry, Nolensville, Norfolk,
North Bergen, North Little Rock, Northampton, Northport, Northridge, Northville, Norwalk, Novi, NY Georgia, Oak Harbor, Oak Park, Oakland, Oklahoma City, Olympia,
Olympia Fields, Omaha, Oologah, Orange, Orange County, Orange Park, Orangeburg, Orlando, Orofino, Ortonville, Ottawa, Owensville, Owyhee, Pacoima, Palo Alto, Palos Verdes, Paris, Pasadena, Passaic, Paterson, Paulding, Pawhuska, Payette, Penn Hills, Pennsylvania,
Petersburg, Pflugerville, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pickford, Piketon, Pittsburgh, Pittsford, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Playa Vista, Pleasant Prairie, Polk County, Ponderay, Pontiac, Port Huron, Portland, Portola, Portsmouth, Potlatch, Prairie View, Princess Anne, Princeton, Providence,
Queens, Racine, Raleigh, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rathdrum, Ravenna, Reading, Redding Ridge, Rensselaer, Rexburg, Reynoldsburg, Richmond, Richmond Hill, Richton Park, Rigby, Rio Grande City, River Rouge, Rochester, Rockland, Roland, Rome, Roseland, Roseville,
Roxbury, Sacramento, Safford, Saginaw, Saint Cloud,Saint Louis, Sallisaw, Salmon, Sammamish, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, San Leandro, San Pedro, Sandusky, Santa Fe, Santa Rosa Beach, Sault Ste. Marie, Savannah, Scarsdale,
Scottsdale, Seaside, Seattle, Sebring, Semmes, Seymour, Shorewood, Shreveport, Silicon Valley, Silverton, Skiatook, South Amboy, South Bend, South Coffeville, South Gate, South Orange, South Palm Beach, Southfield, Southport, Springfield, St Maries, St. Clair, St. Louis, St.
Louis Park, St. Louisville, Stafford, Stanford, Staten Island, Statesboro, Stephenson, Sterling Heights, Stilwell, Suffolk, Sugar Land, Suitland, Sun Valley, Suttons Bay, Tacine, Tacoma, Tahlequah, Talladega, Tallahassee, Taylor, Tempe, Toccoa, Toledo, Tougaloo, Traverse City, Trenton,
Trotwood, Troy, Tullahoma, Tulsa, Turlock, Tuscon, Tuskegee, Upland, Urbana, Valliant, Van Wert, Venice, Vestal, Virginia State University, Wahiawa, Wake Forest, Warren, Washington Dc, Waterford, Watersmeet, Wayne, Webster Groves, Wendell, West Bloomfield
Township, West Chester, West Union, Westfield, Westland, Westville, Whites Creek, Wichita, Wilberforce, Wilder, Wilington, Wilkinsburg, Wilmington, Window Rock, Wisconsin Rapids, Woodland Park, Wooster, Worthington, Xenia, Youngstown, Ypsilanti, Zion, Vietnam,
Dong Da District, Wales, Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Duffryn, Port Talbot, Swansea, Albania, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Brunei, Cameroon, Chile, Costa Rica, Cote D’ivoire, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mauritius, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria,
Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Trinidad And Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Apple Education Impact Report | October 2024 7

 Educator
Development
“Partnering with Apple’s Community
Education Initiative (CEI) has been
a life-changing experience. My
teaching skills and the capacity to
serve more students has grown
exponentially — from 40 students
to more than 250 around the globe.
I now coach other educators, have
earned my master’s degree in
education, and am an Apple CEI
Ambassador, an Apple Teacher,
and an Apple Learning Coach.
Thanks to Apple and their support
of educators, I have had the
blessing to help my students, my
campus, and my global community,
bringing joy and contentment to
my mind and soul.”

Juan Marquez
Houston Public High School Teacher
Juan Marquez with learners using iPad and robots.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 8

 Our focus on educator
development
Apple is committed to supporting educators
around the world who are inspiring learners
inside and outside of the classroom. We
recognize that in an ever-changing world, the
best educators are continuously innovating
to meet the needs of their learners. We offer
educators programs that support an ongoing
practice for professional learning, such as the
Challenge Based Learning framework, that
connects learning to real-world application.
We use research-based instructional
technology practices to help educators
throughout their journeys from skills
acquisition to innovative teaching practices.
And we empower educators with curriculum,
personalized coaching, connections with
technical experts, and tools to maximize
their impact.

Educators at the Apple

Education Impact ReportCommunity Education Initiative Leadership and Learning Academy exploring machine learning by creating image classifier models.
| October 2024 9
Launching student success through STEAM explorations
Project LaunchPad Austin — Education Service Center Region 13

At Apple, we believe coding is a truly universal language that Bringing the program to campuses
everyone should have a chance to learn. To help more young
Jacob Luévano, program manager at Project LaunchPad Austin,
people develop this critical skill, Apple’s Community Education
works closely with districts and schools to bring the program
Initiative (CEI) is supporting Project LaunchPad Austin, which
to campuses. “This program provides a fantastic opportunity
is bringing new coding opportunities to elementary students
for me to coach librarians and teachers while also modeling
across central Texas.
lessons directly with students,” he said. “As an educator, it’s
Project LaunchPad Austin was developed by Education Service hard to ask for more.”
Center (ESC) Region 13 — one of 20 service centers dedicated
Melanie Erb, a librarian at a local public elementary school,
to supporting Texas’s educational needs. With a focus on
participated in the program. “Implementing Project LaunchPad
underresourced communities, the program collaborates with
districts and schools to bring technology into classrooms and with the support of Jacob from Region 13 and Apple has
empower students to learn digital skills. To date, it has reached been an incredible experience,” said Erb. “In the library, I’ve
more than 10,000 students, giving them new opportunities to seen students from every grade level eagerly engage with
showcase their creativity and problem-solving abilities. technology, becoming skilled at different apps, and even learn
to code. This program has really made a difference in how we
manage digital learning.”
Empowering educators to teach digital skills
One of the project’s key goals is to provide educators with
the tools and confidence to lead digital learning initiatives in
their schools, districts, and communities. This starts with “This program provides a fantastic
a five- to six-week coaching program at their schools,
followed by monthly training sessions to foster continuous
opportunity for me to coach
growth throughout the year. librarians and teachers while
After completing the coaching program, educators can check also modeling lessons directly
out iPad devices for their classrooms so they can integrate their
new skills — and fun new learning activities — into their lessons. with students. As an educator,
Coaches from Region 13 provide ongoing support through
virtual meetings and in-person visits, while the monthly training
it’s hard to ask for more.”
sessions offer educators a platform to share new ideas and
Jacob Luévano
skills with peers.
Program Manager
Project LaunchPad Austin
Jacob Luévano, Program Manager, Project LaunchPad Austin.
The program also includes school visits from Apple employees
who volunteer to mentor students, helping them explore careers
in STEAM.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 10

Impacting student learning teachers’ classrooms to entire schools, putting Apple
devices into the hands of more students to foster even more
By creating personalized learning opportunities, Project
opportunities for creativity and collaboration. And in August
LaunchPad Austin has had a profound impact on students
2024, Project LaunchPad expanded into the Houston area
across the state.
to provide its offerings to even more educators, students,
Luévano recalls one student who had been facing academic and communities.
and behavioral challenges. He noticed a profound change
“We believe that an educator’s confidence in their own
once he introduced new STEAM activities. The opportunity
creativity and ability to code is inherited by their students in
to work on iPad and learn new coding concepts sparked the
a fun and positive classroom setting,” said Sally Partridge,
student’s curiosity, and he was often the first to solve the
Director of Pathways and Innovation at ESC Region 13.
coding challenges. Luévano saw the student’s confidence
“We’re excited to continue developing educational leaders
and enthusiasm for learning increase as he began to master
who share and continue learning with other teachers at
new skills.
their school.”
Luévano says that this student is just one of many examples
of how the program — and Apple’s support for its work — has
been transformative for students across the region. “Every
learner has unique needs, and it’s been amazing to be able to “Project LaunchPad Austin
tailor instruction for each student,” he said. “We’re able to meet
students where they are, and the impact has been priceless.”
promotes our goal of providing
innovative opportunities for
Advancing creative learning across our educators to continue
communities
Apple’s support has enabled Region 13 to respond more
their own learning alongside
effectively to schools’ needs. Over the past two years, for their students.”
example, the program has prioritized working with librarians Melanie Erb and Jacob Luévano
and media specialists on elementary campuses. This has Dr. Rich Elsasser
allowed the program to expand its reach from individual Executive Director at ESC Region 13

Education Impact Report | October 2024 11

Transforming careers and computer science education across Illinois
Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), a part of the University of Illinois System, in collaboration with NC3

As demand for technical skills in the workforce rises, many

K–12 schools are introducing computer science (CS) classes
“I realized there was a pathway
to help spark students’ interest in the field. In 2022, Illinois to get into tech without having
enacted a new policy requiring all school districts to offer at
least one high school CS course.1 But the state confronted a
to go back to school. I really fell
challenge: To provide more CS classes, schools also needed in love with it. I think I can make
more teachers who are qualified to lead them.
even more of a difference if I’m
Apple’s Community Education Initiative (CEI) supports
institutions that are working to ensure that more educators
training teachers across the
are equipped to bring CS to life for students across Illinois. In state in computer science.“
2021, Apple partnered with the University of Illinois Urbana
Champaign (UIUC) to offer an asynchronous app development Todd McFarlin
course using Apple’s Develop in Swift curriculum, providing Assistant Director of Teacher Training at Discovery Partners Institute
professional learning and scholarship support for 25 faculty
members across two cohorts. Based on the success of the
In July 2022, McFarlin became part of the inaugural cohort of
course, Apple then expanded this initiative to other schools
24 teachers to enroll in the five-semester, 20-credit program.
across the Big Ten network. And in 2022, support from Apple
To date, 85 teachers representing 41 districts across the state
helped UIUC’s College of Education and Discovery Partners
have enrolled. With those credentials in hand, those educators
Institute (DPI) launch the Teaching Endorsement in Computer
are now introducing students across the state to CS classes.
Science (CSTed) — a new credential that prepares educators
to teach CS.
Learning to teach the teachers
For Todd McFarlin, a history teacher in Chicago Public Schools While McFarlin was enrolled in the endorsement program, he
(CPS), the credential provided a unique opportunity to align applied for an open teacher training position with DPI — a role
his passion for coding with teaching. He was interested in CS in which he would help other educators gain the skills and
instruction, but was unsure about how to pursue an alternative credentials to teach CS. “I realized then there was a pathway to
teaching path without going back to school for a degree in not only teach computer science permanently but also to work
Todd McFarlin reviews a coding concept at Gateway Technical engineering or CS. “I really didn’t think that there was a way in tech without having to go back to school,” he said. “I really fell
College, Kenosha, Wisconsin. Photo provided by NC3. for me to get into tech or a tech position,” said McFarlin. in love with it. I thought I could make even more of a difference
if I was training teachers across the state in computer science.”

Education Impact Report | October 2024 12

In his new role, McFarlin helped meet growing demand
from teachers statewide. DPI connected with the National
Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) — another Apple
partner organization that helps provide educator training for
industry partner credentials, including App Development with
Swift. Together they expanded DPI instructor capacity and
developed pedagogy for the endorsement program, aided
by Apple grant funding that helped provide scholarships
and hardware.

Helping educators teach app development

Across the country, NC3 supports educators who are teaching
Swift to prepare students for a career in the app economy. It
offers two-week sessions during which educators receive
hands-on instruction and a chance to earn industry-recognized
Swift certifications. McFarlin knew that with the additional NC3
training, “DPI would be able to grow our program to be more in
depth to meet the diverse career paths in tech that students
may choose to take,” he said. Danna Dotson working with DPI students to debug their Swift code. Photo provided by DPI.

The collaboration helped DPI better understand how to support

the educators it serves. Building on NC3’s approach, DPI
developed an in-person orientation that helped teachers
familiarize themselves with Mac, coding concepts, and coding To support educators like Pope, DPI developed the Summer Building robust pathways for teachers
language, as well as an exploratory boot camp for those with Intensive Mobile App Development course, which launched and students
little-to-no coding experience. in June 2024. The course provides educators with an
introduction to coding before jumping into the CSTed. One Danna Dotson, Associate Director of Teacher Training at
of the unique aspects of the program is that teachers are paired DPI, designed the summer intensive to allow teachers an
Evolving programming to best serve teachers opportunity to learn Swift alongside students. “We wanted
with students so they can experience how high schoolers
DPI continuously evolves its programming to better meet process the information, helping to deepen their understanding teachers to be able to not only learn Swift but to also see
the diverse needs of teacher trainers. For example, when a of computer science pedagogy. how students were picking it up and learning this mobile
colleague left CPS’ Hyde Park Academy, Eugene Pope, a former app development process,” said Dotson. “And we wanted
colleague of McFarlin’s and computer science teacher at the “Life gets in the way, which was the problem with the after- teachers to have firsthand experience with students prior
school, was assigned the responsibility of teaching the newly school program,” said Pope. “I wanted to be a student. And the to implementing the work during the school year.”
designed iOS Mobile App Development course. To ensure the summer intensive allowed that. You were in the classroom with
students, and wanted to make sure you know what you were As a result of Apple’s support for DPI and NC3, qualified
continuity and growth of the program — and to become a
talking about.” CS teachers are empowering thousands of students across
subject-matter expert himself — Pope started learning Swift,
Illinois, who are learning to code, participating in hackathons,
but found it was tough to take an evening class, “especially
and even creating their own apps.
after a long day of teaching.”

Education Impact Report | October 2024 13

Full STEAM ahead for educators and students in Los Angeles
Tech for Every 1 (T4E1) — Center for Innovation in STEM Education (CISE)

One school at which educators can work toward their CSSA

is California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), where
“The teachers who complete these
the team at the Center for Innovation in STEM Education (CISE) authorizations are collectively
partnered with Apple’s Community Education Initiative to
design new programs for teachers who want to gain expertise in
reaching thousands of students
STEAM education. For instance, CISE Technology & Innovation in the community. The ripple
in Education micro-credentials offer teachers a chance to learn
key coding concepts and practice writing Swift code using effect extends far beyond the
Apple’s Everyone Can Code resources. Teachers who complete
the micro-credentials earn continuing education units that apply
classroom. These students will
to salary advancement, and many go on to become technology become the innovators and
leaders and experts at their schools.
creators of the future.”
Expanding technical skills to transform Dr. Kamal Hamdan
computer science education CISE Director
Over the past four years, more than 200 teachers have
completed CISE’s Supplementary Authorization programs —
and every one of them is serving in schools in underresourced
communities. Brenda Chavez, a teacher at Ánimo Legacy
Charter Middle School in South Los Angeles, shared how the
program fueled her growth as an educator. “Completing the
Brenda Chavez at the California State University Dominguez Computer Science Supplementary Authorization was a
Hills Center for Innovation in STEM Education.
challenging, yet transformative journey,” she said. “It expanded
my technical skills and deepened my understanding of
computer science principles. The coursework challenged
me to think critically and solve complex problems, while
To help prepare K–12 students in California for the high-tech the hands-on projects provided practical experience in
jobs of the future, the state created the Computer Science coding, algorithms, and system design. This authorization
Supplementary Authorization (CSSA). This authorization has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to
enables teachers who specialize in other subjects to lead integrate computer science education into my teaching, Brenda Chavez works with students to refine their
computer science classes as well, helping to meet the growing inspiring the next generation of innovators.” app pitches.
demand for STEAM offerings in California schools.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 14

Sparking creativity and innovation across Wandsworth
Wandsworth BEST — Wandsworth Council

In 2022, Apple moved into its historic Battersea location Bridging the achievement gap
in London’s Wandsworth district and launched a broad
The achievement gap between disadvantaged students and
community-centered initiative. This included partnering
their peers is larger in Wandsworth than in any other community
with Business and Education Succeeding Together (BEST),
in London.2 To help address this disparity, Alex and his team
a local charity focused on bringing together schools and
have developed a project for primary schools across the
businesses to help young people learn valuable digital skills.
borough. The project aims to help students develop digital skills
BEST’s strategy prioritizes the digital arts as a means
and express their creativity using Apple’s free Everyone Can
to foster creativity and inclusive local communities.
Code and Everyone Can Create resources, while also providing
Apple’s Community Education Initiative is partnering with mentoring to enhance engagement and improve educational
BEST and the Wandsworth Council to deliver a robust digital outcomes. Teachers participating in the program gain new
program in local primary schools. The program leverages Apple knowledge, earn Apple Teacher recognition, and develop
technology and resources to empower students to unlock their innovative new teaching practices for their classrooms.
creativity. The partnership has reached students and helped
strengthen community connections in 11 schools to date, with Engaging in ongoing professional learning
plans to expand to 20 schools in the coming year. One of the project’s key pillars is professional learning
Alex Purssey, Wandsworth Council’s Head of Schools IT, leads designed to ensure that teachers are equipped to deliver
this initiative with technical expertise and a passion for helping innovative lessons. Alex is proud that his team includes Apple
all children reach their potential. Reflecting on his journey, Distinguished Educators and that their work has resulted in
Alex says he discovered his ability to connect with children being recognized as an Apple Regional Training Centre.
and understand their unique needs while working as a youth
football coach during university.

“Becoming a teacher allowed me to create personalized

learning experiences that cater to each student’s strengths,
interests, and learning styles,” he said. "I moved to Wandsworth
in my late teens, bought my first home here, and have worked
in the borough serving schools for nearly 30 years. Both my
daughters now work in Wandsworth schools. I feel like a true
Wandsworth lad, giving back to the community that has
Alex Purssey, Wandsworth Council’s Head of Schools IT. supported me!” Alex Purssey and his team gather to plan for the year ahead.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 15

“Attending the amazing The team works weekly in participating schools, offering
teachers opportunities to learn with products like iPad and
Alex and his team also collaborated with the historic Battersea
Arts Centre (BAC) to host a showcase event for participating
Battersea Arts Centre showcase Apple Pencil. This continuous upskilling contributes to schools, inviting 200 students to share their progress and
teachers’ professional development and growth, and helps achievements. Parents, teachers, school leaders, government
event was a brilliant way to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability. officials, and local business leaders attended the event, which
celebrate and collaborate with offered students a chance to develop their presentation skills
Connecting with community and interact with a wide range of professionals.
so many visitors, participating Another key project pillar is linking the skills and subjects “Attending the amazing Battersea Arts Centre showcase
Wandsworth schools, and that students study in school with the challenges and event was a brilliant way to celebrate and collaborate with so
needs of the greater community. To make lessons more
Apple staff.” relevant and actionable, Alex and his team use the Challenge
many visitors, participating Wandsworth schools, and Apple
staff,” shared Elijah Richards, a local Year five student. “The
Based Learning framework. They’ve helped teachers create opportunity to share and publish work, including presenting
Elijah Richards lessons that engage students in hands-on activities, such about my school’s digital journey and involvement in the
Year Five Student, Wandsworth as visualizing and designing a sustainable environment or Battersea Project, was rewarding and gave recognition to the
illustrating significant moments in history with a focus on advanced skills that I have learnt along the way. It was exciting
equity and representation. to host a podcasting expo-stand.”

Building on this approach, the program extends learning

into spaces and opportunities across the community. In the Exceeding expectations
last year, more than 600 children and 100 teachers from For Alex, the project has surpassed its original goals. In
Wandsworth schools have visited the Apple offices and the addition to improving student achievement and equipping
Apple Store in Battersea Power Station. During these visits, teachers with new and innovative methods, he noted that it
students have taken part in Today at Apple sessions with Apple has revitalized many educators’ passion for learning and
Creative Pros, helping them acquire new skills. They’ve also fostered essential collaborative teaching practices. School
learned about Apple’s efforts to preserve and celebrate the leaders have also created a new Digital Ambassadors
rich history of the building and the community. The feedback recognition for students that celebrates their skills, while
from the schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with providing them with mentorship and leadership positions to
many students now aspiring to careers as digital creatives. support their peers. “I’ve seen how the students glow with
pride in their new roles and how this experience has boosted
Beyond its work with students, the project has delivered their confidence in becoming future digital leaders,” Alex said.
over 40 sessions to more than 300 parents and other adult
Students put their skills into practice at the Wandsworth
Primary Learning Showcase in the Battersea Arts Centre.
learners from the greater community. These sessions not
only support the development of digital skills but also help
deepen parents’ engagement with their children’s education.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 16

Fostering a culture of collaboration through professional learning
Apple Learning Coach — Granard Primary School

Apple Learning Coach is a free professional learning program How has Apple Learning Coach helped you
that helps to coach educators on how to help teachers get more support diverse learners?
out of Apple technology. With new lessons and new languages,
I’ve found multiple ways to break down barriers and foster
Apple Learning Coach is now available in eight languages
equity using technology. iPad has made learning more
across 17 countries.
achievable for all students in the classroom. For instance,
translation features on iPad have been especially helpful for
How has Apple Learning Coach helped you in allowing non-native English-speaking students to fully
your teaching practice? participate in class activities. Students who speak another
Apple Learning Coach has transformed my teaching practices. language at home use the read-back feature to check their
Through the online self-paced lessons and workshops hosted work for tense, mistakes, and missing words. Students can
by Apple Professional Learning Specialists, I created a portfolio take pictures of the board and receive resources via AirDrop
and action plan for taking my coaching to the next level. so they can learn independently. Those who struggle with
articulation can use alternative communication methods on
Apple Learning Coach has helped me identify key areas that iPad, such as speech-to-text or sketching. And those with
can benefit colleagues and students. For example, we’ve gone visibility issues can zoom in on content using the Magnifier app.
paperless in my year group thanks to the iPad devices gifted
through the Battersea project, a partnership between the
Why is continuous professional learning
Wandsworth charities, local primary schools, and Apple’s
Community Education Initiative. We’ve improved sustainability, important for the teaching profession?
reduced costs, and lowered aspects of teacher workload. It’s crucial to stay on top of the latest technology so we can
provide our students with the best opportunities and start them
How has the Apple Learning Coach program off right in life. There’s never been a year in which I didn’t learn
something new as a teacher, either from colleagues or from
helped you support technology integration?
students. Continuous professional learning ensures that we
As a teacher and technology lead at my school, I not only teach remain relevant and effective in our roles. It allows us to adapt
all subjects, but I also support my colleagues in adopting and to new educational trends and tools, ultimately enhancing our
integrating technology into their classrooms. Apple Learning teaching practices and benefiting our students. It fosters a
Coach has given me the skills I need to integrate technology culture of collaboration and shared learning between staff —
with purpose to address the diverse needs of students and staff. essential for a thriving school environment.
It’s made a significant difference in how students feel about their
Francesca Smith, an Apple Learning Coach at Granard Primary
learning. They’re more passionate and take ownership of their
School, London. projects. With my support, they’re able to use different apps
together, like typing scripts in Pages, filming in iMovie, and using
iPad for cues.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 17

Inspiring a new generation of educators
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TEACH)

Can you tell us about the P-TEACH program? What’s the role of technology in the program?
P-TEACH introduces high school students to teaching careers We’re accelerating teacher growth and skill development
through a variety of dual enrollment courses. Students can by giving every participant the chance to earn their Apple
earn up to 43 credits in four education pathways through the Teacher certification. With access to Apple devices,
University of Colorado Denver. Our focus is to recruit and participants have enhanced opportunities to learn, practice,
retain future teachers from the communities they aim to teach. and refine their teaching skills so they’re well equipped for
Currently, more than 54 percent of our students identify as today’s classrooms. We focus on digital storytelling using the
students of color, a reflection of the diverse communities Challenge for Change Learning Series — particularly Use the
across our district. Power of Storytelling to Create Change — to ensure that our
students can tell their own stories and know that their stories
Why is it important that teachers reflect the are important. It’s also been amazing to see them use iPad and
MacBook, along with apps like Clips, Keynote, and Numbers to
communities they serve?
tell their stories. We made different projects using each of the
I’m a St. Vrain Valley School District graduate and a Latina apps, then brought them all together in iMovie.
daughter of farmworker immigrant parents. Growing up, none
of my teachers looked like me. Now I see the impact that I have
on our students of color. They see themselves in me, and I see
What impact are you seeing from this work?
Monica Moreno-Martinez, an educator with the Pathways in myself in them. If we want teachers who represent our student I think the biggest impact is that students can put theory
Technology Early College High School program in Colorado. population, we need programs like P-TEACH to provide support into practice. I’ve seen them use Early Learners Can Code using
Photo provided by Monica Moreno-Martinez. to students who want to enter the profession as teachers and Swift to teach functions to third through fifth graders. Another
also as paraprofessionals. shared how they use Keynote in math lessons to keep students
engaged. I’m really thankful to be doing this work and to be able
to see its impact in a meaningful and creative way. Additionally,
How does P-TEACH support paraprofessionals?
With the support of a grant through Apple’s Community we’ve also hired six graduates from the P-TEACH program as
P-TEACH gives paraprofessionals a clear pathway to realize certified teachers, with many more in the pipeline to become
Education Initiative that includes technology, curriculum,
their dreams of becoming certified classroom teachers by future teachers in St. Vrain, Colorado, and beyond.
and professional learning resources, University of Colorado
earning their bachelor’s degree through the University of
Denver partnered with St. Vrain Valley School District to
Colorado Denver or advancing skills in their current roles.
expand Pathways to Teaching (P-TEACH), a program
Paraprofessionals have an associate degree and assist teachers
designed to build strong teacher pipelines and increase
with instructional, behavioral, and other support to students in
community representation across the field of teaching.
and outside of the classroom. We see the biggest impact with
Apple’s support has helped to build out the program and
them because they can immediately apply what they’ve learned
make it accessible to even more future teachers.
in their classrooms.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 18

 Out-of-School
Time
“Technology is a big part of 4-H.
When kids pick up an iPad or
Apple Pencil on the bus, it
becomes the spark that gets
them excited about learning
new skills. I love when we have
parents saying,’It’s time to get
off the bus and go on fair rides,’
and the kids don’t want to leave
because they’re so engaged.”

Mark Light
4-H STEM Educator

Mark Light with students on the 4-H Mobile Classroom bus, Columbus, Ohio.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 19

 Our support for
out-of-school time
Learning can happen anywhere and anytime.
That’s why Apple also supports programs
outside the classroom that complement the
traditional learning experience. We provide
resources and mentoring to organizations
that teach coding, creativity, and career
pathway skills to learners of all ages,
especially in underresourced communities.
We envision a workforce that’s diverse and
reflective of the communities in which we
live and work. To reach that goal, we’re
helping prepare people of all ages with
creative and technical skills and real-world
experiences that support their careers
today and in the future.

Students
Educationgather
ImpactatReport
Apple |Michigan
October Avenue
2024 for the One Summer Chicago showcase. 20
Building code and community for equity in tech
Kode With Klossy

For decades, the technology industry has faced a persistent alumni are highly accomplished, having won technical
gender equity gap, with many non-males choosing not to challenges like Apple’s Swift Student Challenge and other
pursue STEM careers or abandoning their aspirations early in competitive scholarships, internships, and national awards.
their journey. To help address this challenge, Apple is proud
to support Kode With Klossy (KWK), an innovative nonprofit For the last seven years, Apple has partnered with KWK across
focused on building community through coding education every dimension of its program portfolio. Apple donates
for young women and gender-expansive youth. hardware to KWK, which it uses for all in-person classes and
provides for any virtual scholars who need it during camp.
KWK offers rigorous, technical curricula in four areas: website KWK has partnered with Apple technical teams to develop a
development, mobile app development, data science, and research-based approach to teaching artificial intelligence and
artificial intelligence and machine learning. These topics machine learning.4 It has also integrated Apple technologies,
are taught through KWK’s flagship two-week summer camps, such as SwiftUI, Swift Playgrounds, and Xcode, into its mobile
as well as two-day workshops in the spring and fall, and are app development curriculum. And Apple has hosted Kode With
100 percent free to participants. In 2024, KWK awarded nearly Klossy Demo Days at flagship Apple Store locations, giving
4,000 scholarships to new and returning participants across scholars a chance to showcase their skills and creativity.
almost 50 programs. In-person programs were offered in
London and 16 U.S. cities, and virtual classes reached learners
in another 100 countries.
“Nearly 10 years ago, Kode With
“KWK programs provide experiential learning labs for the
future of inclusive workplaces. We are building a retention
Klossy started with a simple idea.
solution that combines our community-centered approach Today, we’re a global organization
with meaningful engagement from corporate partners ready
to evolve their policies and processes in order to close the
and a community that spans
gender gap,” said Osi Imeokparia, KWK CEO. more than 100 countries. We’re
KWK introductory programs are designed for learners from giving the next generation of tech
13 to 18 years old, ages when research shows that young
women’s interest in STEM is significantly influenced by leaders and changemakers the
Founder of Kode With Klossy, Karlie Kloss (center), works with
inclusive pedagogy and women role models.3 As evidence of
the program’s success, 78 percent of alumni pursue majors
confidence and skills to turn
scholars who share their app prototypes for feedback in a
Mobile App Development camp. Photo by Andrea Wattley. or minors in computer science or engineering, compared to their ideas into reality and to
the national average of fewer than 4 percent of women who
pursue these majors. And many of its more than 10,000 make their mark on the world.”
Karlie Kloss
Founder, Kode With Klossy
Education Impact Report | October 2024 21
The benefits of a diverse community
Diversity in life experiences is essential to creating technology
that serves everyone. The KWK scholar community
represents a wide spectrum of life experiences: 15 percent
live outside of the United States, 40 percent qualify for
reduced lunch, and 80 percent identify as people of color.
By cultivating a diverse learning community, KWK has seen
firsthand how bringing more young women and gender-
expansive youth into the world of coding unlocks opportunity
and contributes to innovations of the future.

Driving retention through community

KWK’s inclusive approach to delivering its coding instruction
is just as important as its technical rigor. Before participating
in KWK, many community members recount being the only
young woman or gender-expansive person in a coding class
or club. Others say they’ve been curious about coding but
were too intimidated by unwelcoming comments or
environments to explore it.
Suri, a participant in Kode With Klossy coding camp, shows off her mobile app written with Swift in Xcode. Photo by Andrea Wattley.
Every program includes time for relationship-building, play,
and mindfulness that drive connection within the community.
Relationships are also reinforced through project-based
learning where scholars work together to create, code, and
present a passion project. This also provides a chance for A story of growth and inspiration programs. In 2022, after two years as an instructor assistant,
participants to practice lifelong workforce skills, such as In 2019, Madeline Gupta sat down at the keyboard for her first Madeline led a KWK summer pilot program with Apple in
collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking Kode With Klossy camp in Detroit, Michigan. She was 16. She New York City. In 2023, Madeline returned as an instructor
about responsible uses of technology. drove almost an hour from Ann Arbor to attend, shaking away assistant for a KWK camp in Boston.

The community creates an environment where learning is nervous jitters as she wrote some of her first lines of code in During her three years as an instructor assistant, Madeline
possible and where peer and near-peer mentorship builds the Swift programming language. By the end of her two-week taught, connected with, and inspired more than 150 students.
a sense of belonging. It’s a place where members can seek camp, Madeline had built a mobile app for iPhone that Throughout these experiences, she gained valuable leadership
guidance, share tips for success, celebrate wins, and provide focused on safety for immunocompromised youth. Today, skills and a chance to give back to the community that
support to overcome challenges. she’s leading research at the intersection of virtual reality, KWK fosters.
mental health, and her own Indigenous culture.
These community-based scaffolds all help to keep young Madeline is now a rising senior at Yale, pursuing a dual degree
women and gender-expansive youth on the path to careers Since that first camp in 2019, Madeline has been an active in data science and computer science. She’s conducting
in technology, increasing gender representation and equity member of the Kode With Klossy community. During the field work with Native Nations in Michigan and the Yale
for generations to come. pandemic, she was a part of the inaugural group of virtual School of Medicine. One of her projects focuses on creating
instructor assistants — former participants who train to be immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences that capture
near-peer mentors for a cohort — in KWK’s first online culturally significant sites on Mackinac Island in Michigan.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 22

 Kode With Klossy Instructor Assistant and alumni Madeline Gupta shares feedback with a student on app design. Photo by Erin Crowley.

“Kode With Klossy has been huge This project aims to alleviate historical trauma and enhance
mental health for tribal youth through an immersive connection
When hearing stories like Madeline’s, Karlie Kloss reflects on
the organization’s remarkable journey over the past decade.
for providing me with a community to their ancestral homelands. Madeline shared that it’s the first “Nearly 10 years ago, Kode With Klossy started with a simple
VR project being used for Indigenous mental health in the idea,” she said. “Today, we’re a global organization and a
of girls and [gender-expansive] United States on this scale. community that spans more than 100 countries. We’re giving
people like me, and showing me After graduation, Madeline plans to continue pursuing
the next generation of tech leaders and changemakers the
confidence and skills to turn their ideas into reality and to make
just what can be possible with her passion for community and cultural technologies. She their mark on the world.”
envisions herself at the forefront of shaping how these
a little bit of inspiration.” technologies are built and used, with a goal of challenging
harmful narratives and redefining their potential impact.
Madeline Gupta
Student, Yale

Education Impact Report | October 2024 23

Growing talent through collective impact
Motor City Can Code and Create

Empowering the next generation Create curriculum. The next year, Apple began partnering with
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM)
The Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation is Detroit’s
to provide foundational skills in photography, music, video, and
official workforce agency, providing job placement, training,
drawing using Everyone Can Create.
and support for workers across the city. To help empower the
next generation, the nonprofit agency has partnered with Grow Apple has since expanded this work to other organizations,
Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) to create summer employment including Henry Ford College, Wayne State University, JOURNi,
opportunities for Detroiters ages 14 to 24. Last year, the Detroit Public Community Schools, Hidden Genius, and
initiative reached more than 8,000 young people, providing CODE313. This support has fostered opportunities for youth
them with exposure to different careers and opportunities for to take classes in coding, app development, photography,
training, networking, and skills development. As part of its work videography, and drawing, with Apple hardware and content
in Detroit, Apple has provided GDYT with professional learning, providing them with early exposure to tech. “For some youth,
curriculum, and technology to support its efforts. these summer experiences may be their very first experience
in the IT and technology worlds,” said Chauncey.
GDYT also provides stipends for young Detroiters to learn to
code with Swift through a number of community organizations, In 2021, some participants also joined the first cohort of the
giving them financial support to spend time learning critical month-long Foundations Program training at Apple’s Developer
thinking and creativity skills that they can apply to future careers. Academy in Detroit, a partnership between MSU and Apple.
“In the quest to holistically serve Detroit youth, a community
of organizations support this overall effort,” said Chauncey Apple Developer Academy
Chauncey Samuel and a student at the Motor City Can Code
and Create Showcase at Apple Developer Academy in Detroit. Samuel, Manager of Fund Development and Employer Apple Developer Academy is a free 10-month program in
Engagement at Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. downtown Detroit. Established as a part of Apple’s Racial Equity
and Justice Initiative, the Academy provides a unique learning
Multiple groups teaching coding skills experience at the intersection of creativity and technology,
helping empower aspiring coders and entrepreneurs to thrive
Detroit is home to a proud legacy of innovation and creativity. For the past four years, Apple’s Community Education Initiative
in the world’s most vibrant app ecosystem. During their time in
From manufacturing to music, the city has been responsible (CEI) has supported organizations that are helping Detroiters
the program, students use Apple tools to learn the essentials of
for breakthroughs that revolutionized industry and redefined build digital and creative skills, expanding learning opportunities
coding, design, and business, providing a powerful onramp to
culture. Now, as organizations across Detroit invest in its for learners of all ages.
the tech industry.
revitalization, Apple is providing support to help unleash the
innovative spirit that makes this iconic American city such In 2020, Apple partnered with Michigan State University’s
Since opening in 2021, nearly 1,000 Detroiters have graduated
an extraordinary place. (MSU) 4-H Extension and College of Education and the Detroit
from the program with critical coding and workforce skills to
Police Athletic League to offer Swift coding and creativity
help them succeed in the city’s growing tech sector.
classes using Apple’s Everyone Can Code and Everyone Can

Education Impact Report | October 2024 24

“I like the fact that I can recruit Grundy says the benefit of collaborating with other Apple
partners is that groups may present the same content in
program. Now she’s created an app prototype and was
accepted into the Apple Developer Academy’s fall cohort.
instructors in Detroit who already completely different ways, allowing participants to broaden
Two teams from Henry Ford College’s program presented
their perspectives and skills. “Each organization has its
know this stuff in depth. I really own strength. One might be great at teaching Swift, another health-related apps. One team designed an app prototype
to help people learn to recover from muscle pain using a
appreciate the partnership and might be great at UI/UX and developing a concept. So it truly
360 model and an AI chatbot. The other team presented
becomes a way to celebrate the unique learning process
also the nudge to collaborate for each organization and less of a competition.” an app idea that would support skin care for young women.

with our other colleagues in the And the top two teams from JOURNi’s summer program
Celebrating success together presented apps they designed to support their communities.
other organizations.” In 2024, the first Motor City Can Code and Create showcase One aims to reduce poverty by helping to address mental health
celebrated the collective impact of organizations working to and homelessness, while the other helps create customized
Richard Grundy build a pipeline of tech talent in Detroit. The event was held tours as a way to preserve local culture. “Being able to showcase
Cofounder and CEO of JOURNi at the Apple Developer Academy, where youth ages 9 to 18+ their ideas and iOS apps allows young people to see they’re
presented their coding and creativity projects. part of a larger initiative or movement, and that other people
are rooting for them,” said Grundy.
“It’s hard to get into the tech industry. People are locked out Some of the younger scholars from CODE313 were excited
of it because they don’t have the money to spend, or they don’t to share games they programmed or beats they created in
know that there’s a process that you can follow,” said Richard GarageBand. One youth coding team presented an app
Grundy, cofounder and CEO of JOURNi, which is committed to prototype called Chore Checkers that aims to support the
building an inclusive tech ecosystem in Detroit. community by outsourcing seasonal house chores to youth.

In addition to pursuing exciting careers of their own, Apple In BGCSM’s showcase, one presenter, Alicia, shared that she
Developer Academy graduates are expanding Detroit’s tech knew nothing about coding or UI/UX before the six-week
ecosystem by sharing their knowledge and skills with others.
JOURNi has hired graduates from the program over the last
two summers to teach coding. BGCSM and CODE313 have
also recruited alumni as instructors.

“I like the fact that I can recruit instructors in Detroit

who already know this stuff in depth,” Grundy said.
“I really appreciate the partnership and also the nudge to
collaborate with our colleagues in other organizations.”

Unique styles plus expertise

Each organization that teaches with Everyone Can Code and
Everyone Can Create content brings its own unique expertise
and style to its programming. One organization may teach
coding using robots, while another focuses on research and Richard Grundy (rear row, left) and members of the Motor City Can Code and Create initiative, JOURNi, CODE313, Henry Ford College,
design. This gives youth a variety of offerings to choose from. Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, and Michigan State University 4-H Extension.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 25

Designing a program to inspire the next generation of innovators
BGCA Innovate — Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) know the power of staff with professional development, tools, strategies, and
engaging with youth early to spark their curiosity, ignite their resources to help them feel confident and equipped to teach.
passions, and help them prepare for their futures. They’re They participate in professional learning to build leadership
committed to providing enrichment and opportunities that skills and model high-quality teaching. The professional
empower young people to reach their full potential. To that end, learning involves a wide range of experiences, including virtual
BGCA partnered with Apple’s Community Education Initiative learning cofacilitated by Club staff and Apple Professional
(CEI) to launch BGCA Innovate, an initiative dedicated to Learning Specialists, asynchronous use of Apple Education
bringing coding and creativity programming to select Clubs Community Learning Center resources, participation in BGCA
across the United States and Germany. leadership conferences, Apple Store sessions, and train-the-
trainer courses for industry certifications offered by the
BGCA Innovate evolved out of an effort that began in 2021, National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) — another
when a small virtual cohort of Clubs started teaching youth to CEI partner. All of this prepares Club leaders to design
code using Swift on iPad. More creative learning experiences programming, train other staff, and facilitate youth programs.
were added the next year, along with more participating In just three years, a dozen Boys & Girls Club staff have
members. And, today, BGCA Innovate includes more than participated in App Development with Swift Associate
50 Club sites in total. To date, the initiative has engaged over Certification through NC3, enhancing their ability to design
240 educators and served more than 4,000 young people. learning experiences and teach Swift.
A student designs an app on iPad with a Boys & Girls Club “Youth are developing transferrable skills they can share
staff member. In 2023, the initiative also held its first-ever BGCA Innovate
with families and community. They are showcasing digital Summit. This in-person event, which included Apple Professional
skills, as well as communication and leadership skills,” said Learning Specialists, provided youth development professionals
Elaine Hudson, BGCA Innovate Lead with Boys & Girls Clubs from 16 Clubs the chance to participate in shared hands-on
of America. “Youth who never saw themselves in STEM learning. The event was designed to build professional
or as coders go through BGCA Innovate, and they see new networks, model instructional practices for teaching with iPad,
possibilities. It’s a beautiful thing, making an impact on staff, and develop coding and creativity programming. “Connecting
youth, community, and the future.” with other staff from across the nation and around the world
created a community that is a key resource. Building a
Preparing to design and deliver programs relationship with the Apple CEI team and having them as a
Many Boys & Girls Club staff members don’t have backgrounds resource definitely helped polish facilitator delivery,” said
in computer science, coding, or education. Through the CEI Jasmine Culver, Director of STEM, Boys & Girls Clubs of
partnership, the program provides Club program leaders and Greater Washington.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 26

“Youth who never saw themselves Localizing the program “I am continually amazed by what can be achieved in a short
time with proper preparation and purpose…starting with
While the BGCA Innovate program is offered to Clubs, each
in STEM or as coders go through organization and community has unique requirements. It’s
clear expectations, providing brief, modeled instructions,
allowing time for practice, and concluding with individual
BGCA Innovate and they see important to BGCA that individual Club leaders and staff
projects and a share-out session,” said Pam Leppi, Senior
design programming to meet their specific needs. Based on
new possibilities. It’s a beautiful experience, staff are refining and reimagining elements of the
Director of Program Impact, Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon
Valley. ”The encouragement and positive feedback from
thing, making an impact across program to maximize its impact in their communities. Some
Clubs have developed sequenced learning opportunities where
the instructors fostered creativity and provided excellent
the movement on staff, youth, cohorts of youth code and design app prototypes, produce
modeling for my staff.”
podcasts or documentaries, or create with digital arts through
community and the future.” weekly classes and camp experiences. Others are offering Showcasing work in their communities
drop-in workshops that invite youth to create and code — BGCA Innovate Clubs are connecting with their communities
Elaine Hudson igniting interest and innovation. and celebrating youth accomplishments in many different
BGCA Innovate Lead with Boys & Girls Clubs of America ways. A Club in Boston debuted a film at BGCA’s annual
Learning with Today at Apple Keystone conference, while a Silicon Valley Club invited
industry volunteers to serve as judges for app design challenge
Beginning in summer 2023, BGCA Innovate worked with Apple’s
pitches. A Club in Greater Scottsdale featured student work
CEI team to extend learning for Club leaders, staff, and youth
at community STEM learning celebrations, and other Clubs
to Apple Store locations in their communities. Using Group
facilitated virtual showcases. These experiences provide
Reservations, Clubs arranged private Today at Apple sessions,
BGCA youth with unique opportunities to demonstrate their
such as Drawing on iPad with Apple Pencil, Getting Started
skills and build confidence — and highlight the way BGCA
with GarageBand, Code Your First App, Apple Camp, and more.
Innovate is empowering young people to grow as innovators,
More than 25 Clubs from Seattle to Washington, DC, have
communicators, leaders, and people.
participated in over 100 sessions, learning to compose music,
make and edit photos, code, and express creativity.

While the youth were creating, the staff learned new app and
iPad features, best practices, and strategies they could bring
back to their Clubs. They discovered the power of using
templates to guide learners and discussed the importance
of encouraging, sharing, and celebrating youth work.
Students design and create on iPad.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 27

Inspiring college success through creativity and coding
STEAM Pathway — College Track

Dedicated to breaking barriers to college access and success computer science and engineering, I realized I loved education,
for underserved youth, College Track makes a 10-year promise and have focused on creating opportunities in STEAM for
to high school students to provide structure, support systems, underrepresented youth for the past 12 years.
and a variety of enrichment opportunities to assist them with
college enrollment and graduation — and ultimately help them How have Apple employees supported the
have lives full of opportunity, choice, purpose, and power.
program?
College Track partnered with Apple’s Community Education
Initiative (CEI) to build its flagship program, STEAM Pathway, Apple volunteers — from interns to Apple Store and corporate
which teaches underrepresented scholars new skills and employees — bring a diversity of stories to support our Career
introduces them to careers in coding and creativity. Discovery Externship events for our early college scholars. They
share their professional expertise and mentorship with scholars
as they tell stories of their own experiences. This engagement
What is College Track and the STEAM is important because it demystifies the person behind the role.
Pathway program? A project engineer on paper is very different from a real person.
The program includes a series of workshops, events, activities, Scholars can discover what they have in common with Apple
field trips, and Career Discovery Externships that expose employees and start to see themselves in those same roles.
scholars to new skills and careers aligned with STEAM. It begins When volunteers share their career journeys, scholars learn
in ninth grade when scholars take an in-person workshop that there are many ways to find a passion or career.
called Bytes, which is focused around a community app design
challenge and an introduction to coding with Swift. Scholars What impact has the program had?
connect with industry professionals for career conversations
I can’t emphasize enough the power that the program and
and coaching as they develop and pitch solution ideas. I enjoy
Apple technology have had on our scholars. One scholar
the feedback, reflection, and connection experiences with
was interested in fashion and design — the STEAM Pathway
scholars as they work through the app design challenge
provided an entry point through arts and creativity that led
and learn how they can become active agents of change in
to UI design. She’s now starting college focusing on human-
their communities.
computer interaction. Another scholar was already a huge
computer science fan, but he learned the importance of the
How did you become an educator? human side of design and communicating ideas through
I always loved computers, electronics, and games, so I knew the app design challenge. It’s an opportunity for our scholars
Tristin Jenkins, STEAM Pathway Manager for College Track,
Oakland, California.
something with computers was going to be in my future. As a to gain exposure as they problem-solve, build confidence,
Black man, I entered college knowing the systemic struggles ignite interests, and connect to industry professionals who
and barriers to success. While my formal studies were in look like them and support their success.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 28

Unlocking new solutions for a new world
CodeDoor Creators Program

CodeDoor is an organization dedicated to empowering youth What is the CodeDoor Creators program?
and young adults from migrant family backgrounds, equipping
The Creators program, supported by CEI, teaches participants
them with essential digital skills and building their confidence to
how to identify and solve real-life problems through app
thrive in today’s job market or launch their own companies. The
development. By using Apple’s Everyone Can Code resources,
Creators program, supported by Apple’s Community Education
engaging with Swift Playgrounds, and pitching their apps as
Initiative (CEI), teaches participants how to identify and solve
solutions to community challenges, participants acquire
real-life problems through app development with Swift.
valuable skills, including coding with Swift, presentation
techniques, language development, and research related to
How did CodeDoor come to be? their app’s focus.
In 2014, when Germany had one million immigrants fleeing
The program offers eight months of hybrid, project-based
from various crises, I was inspired by a clear but profound
learning and intensive coding sessions. Participants from across
message from the United Nations: Food and shelter were
Germany gather on weekends for in-person coding camps held
simply not enough. We must also provide ongoing education.
in the small town of Marburg. When not meeting in person, they
Given the high demand for developers in Germany, I believed connect online for practice sessions with mentors, as well as to
that teaching coding could benefit industry and society at refine their app ideas.
large. Determined to help, I reached out to local authorities to
connect with refugees and offer coding lessons, but I found
that there were no other programs offering this. Experts from
various fields advised me to abandon the concept, claiming it
was impossible.

Undeterred, I decided to pursue the idea on my own. I began

with just one student, and by 2015, CodeDoor was born.
Since then, CodeDoor CEO Nora Schimang and our team
have built processes and technical solutions that help learners
from migrant families throughout Germany while providing
a talent network for companies and educational institutions.
Today, CodeDoor is an award-winning organization, receiving
accolades from the nation’s leaders and scholars.
Dunya Khalo, an Iraqi refugee and CodeDoor Creators
Karan Dehghani, Founder of the CodeDoor Creators program. program participant.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 29

How do participants use their new skills to
take on challenges?
One of the standout participants in the Creators program is
Dunya, who joined the program to help encourage Germans
to learn and engage with politics. She and her team of five,
all contributing with their diverse backgrounds from Rwanda,
Turkey, Serbia, Croatia, and Egypt, developed an app to
educate users about Germany’s political parties. Through
gamification, users of the app can explore their voting options
and discover various political parties’ platforms.

What makes Dunya’s story even more remarkable is her

background: She arrived in Germany as a young teenage
refugee from Iraq. She’s passionately committed to
demonstrating the value and importance of democracy. As
Dunya says, “There’s simply no better form of government
than democracy.” The Creators program has enabled her Karan Dehghani and Dunya Khalo meet to discuss her app prototype.
to focus her efforts on helping Germans understand and
appreciate their government.

What are some of the core outcomes How has working with learners from
CodeDoor is aiming for in the program? migrant family backgrounds influenced
The Creators program objectives are to teach young people CodeDoor’s teaching?
problem-solving through app development, encourage It has profoundly shaped our teaching style in several
continuous learning and adaptability, and equip them with ways. First, incorporating diverse cultural perspectives
both technical and soft skills that are crucial for future in the classroom encourages us to integrate new references,
careers. Our participants use the Challenge Based Learning traditions, and histories, making our teaching more inclusive
framework to recognize and thoroughly investigate and reflective of the global community we live in. Second,
overlooked problems in their daily lives, develop digital for learners and mentors alike, collaborating with people
solutions, and present their ideas clearly, enhancing their from different cultures in an open and respectful environment
communication and project management abilities. The reduces prejudice and fosters a deeper appreciation and
partnership with Apple provides students with tools to celebration of our differences. Finally, this work reinforces
design, act, and reflect on what’s most important in their the idea that at our core, we share common goals and
lives. For example, Dunya learned to code, which empowered dreams, expressing unity in diversity.
her to build whatever she wanted and, in turn, use her skills
to broaden others’ understanding of democracy.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 30

Inspiring young adults to reach their full potential
Year Up United, Silicon Valley

How did you learn about Year Up United? Why is it important for programs like this to exist?
As a first-generation Eritrean-American and the youngest of Despite being born and raised in Silicon Valley, I was never
five siblings, I learned the value of dedication from my parents, around individuals who worked in the tech industry and didn’t
who worked hard to raise five children together in Silicon Valley. know anyone in tech who looked like me, so I didn’t consider
Through their example, my siblings and I became entrepreneurs it a career option.
and founded a commercial trucking company, where I managed
operations, human resources, and organizational management. People with nontraditional backgrounds like mine who attend
Everything was going well until 2020, when we struggled to community college or become entrepreneurs have valuable
maintain our business during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiences they can share with a company. Year Up United
eventually had to shut down operations. gave me the opportunity to build new skills and to showcase the
expertise I developed as a business owner. I pay that forward
I knew then that I had to pivot and do something different with my by mentoring the next cohort of Year Up participants or those
career. I always wanted to enter the technology field, so I enrolled starting their apprenticeship opportunity with Apple.
at Western Governors University to begin my computer science
studies. I joined many coding boot camps and earned several How has Year Up United’s partnership with
certifications. It was during this time that I heard about Year Up
United through a friend of a friend who joined the program.
Apple helped provide you with the skills you
need for your career?
What is Year Up United and why did you decide As a part of a team of apprentices, we relied on each other to
complete projects. This experience taught me how to work with
to join the program? my teammates effectively and foster a spirit of collaboration.
In the Year Up United program, you benefit from training,
professional learning, and programming opportunities. You Throughout the process, we leaned on each other as a team,
Solomon Berhane, a participant in Year Up United. spend six months in learning and development, building which showed me that networking is directly linked to the
skills and enhancing your oral and written communications, success you can achieve within a company. I learned how to
and another six months participating in apprenticeship and communicate and share our work to identify problems, find
work-based learning experiences with a local industry partner. solutions, and support one another. During my Apple
apprenticeship, I led a session at our weekly Friday team
For two years, Apple has been a corporate partner of Year Up Given my entrepreneurial background and passion for meetings where we got together to share knowledge.
United, Silicon Valley, an organization dedicated to ensuring leadership and team motivation, I decided to enroll in the
equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and program’s project management track. After participating in I’m so appreciative that Apple supports educational programs
justice for young adults. Through the partnership, Apple the program, I’m excited to join Apple in a contract project like Year Up United, and I’m grateful for the opportunity it has
provides professional learning, job training, and apprenticeship given me. As I advance in my career, I’m 100 percent committed
management role.
opportunities, providing real-world experience and pathways to applying the skills I’ve learned by reaching back through
into tech careers. mentorship, engaging as a stakeholder in my community, and
advocating for the program.
Education Impact Report | October 2024 31
Breaking the cycle of generational poverty through education
Akanksha Schools — The Akanksha Foundation

Can you tell us more about The Akanksha How has support from Apple impacted your
Foundation model? students and your approach to teaching?
The Akanksha Foundation aims to create pathways out of Lessons are more interactive and engaging with the support
poverty by building 20-year partnerships with the children who we’ve received from Apple. Integrating iPad across our teaching
attend the schools, their parents, and the wider community. has allowed us to create a collaborative, connected, more
We support students until they complete their education and personalized learning environment to meet student needs
step into the real world. Of the more than 5,000 alumni who across the program.
have graduated, many have gone on to study at major Indian
and international universities, and are now pursuing careers in Apple has also supported professional development for our
diverse fields, including academics, arts, and sports. In 2021, teachers. They use these devices for professional learning
we broadened our impact even further by partnering with two that includes things like documenting their work and creating
new municipal governments, providing training and resources dynamic and collaborative learning environments that reach
to 200-plus government schools and impacting 75,000 students. beyond the classroom. Every Akanksha school has a digital
teacher lead who focuses on upskilling our team, providing
How has iPad and other technology changed comprehensive training on a range of apps, and offering
guidance and suggestions on new ways to use iPad in lessons.
the learning experience for your students? This arms our educators with skills to harness the full potential
Our vision is to equip our children with the skills they need to of technology in education.
succeed in the 21st century. We know that digital learning is
an integral part of that vision. With support from Apple, we’ve
created a digital learning environment where every student
What does the Foundation’s work mean for
Saurabh Taneja, CEO of Akanksha. Photo provided by The
Akanksha Foundation. has access to tools and technologies that spark creativity your community?
and innovation in both academic and nonacademic spaces. Research demonstrates that there’s a significant correlation
between family engagement and a child’s life outcomes.
We’re seeing more interactive engagement from students
We invest heavily in partnering with children’s families and
when they use iPad in the classroom. They use their devices to
engage with parents in many ways, including through parent
For 33 years, The Akanksha Foundation has worked to share information and make complex concepts more accessible.
education programs.
strengthen the public school education system in India. And they’re able to view and create educational videos and
Through its network of 26 kindergarten-through-grade multimedia presentations to enhance comprehension and We believe that a high-quality education has the power
10 schools, Akanksha partners with local municipalities retention. Students use tools like AirPlay and AirDrop to easily to break the cycle of generational poverty. Already, we
to provide free, high-quality education to children from share worksheets and presentations and Apple TV for live have data to suggest that our alumni are supporting their
underresourced communities in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur. science experiments and demonstrations. families by contributing up to 40 percent of their income
Apple has supported the foundation’s work for close to to family expenses.
It’s truly wonderful to see our students using these technologies
a decade, helping Akanksha integrate technology and
both in and beyond the classroom. For example, the robotics
Apple’s learning resources into their classrooms.
team at one of our Pune schools uses iMac and iPad for
research, and students in Mumbai used their iPad for an
Education Impact Report | October 2024 interactive community presentation about cybersafety. 32
 Racial Equity
and Justice
Initiative
“The partnership between The
Propel Center and Apple’s Racial
Equity and Justice Initiative
marks a transformative milestone
in advancing educational and
technological opportunities for
HBCU students. By fostering
innovation and providing critical
resources through programs like
the Accelerator, this collaboration
is not only empowering the next
generation of leaders but also
reinforcing the vital role that
inclusive and equitable access
to technology plays in shaping
a brighter, more equitable
future for all.”

Dr. Lisa Herring

President, Propel Center
Students participating in the Propel Arts & Entertainment Accelerator program talk with Apple Music Radio host Kelleigh Bannen.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 33

 Our commitment to racial
equity and justice
We believe that education advances equity.
Since our earliest days, we’ve engaged with
minority-serving institutions to help learners
access pathways in science, technology,
engineering, arts, and math (STEAM),
because we believe that all learners,
regardless of background, should have
access to critical technology and skills. In
alignment with Apple’s Racial Equity and
Justice Initiative, we continue to expand our
support for education programming in
underresourced communities in Australia,
Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and
the United States.

Sequoyah High School

Education Impact Reportstudents use2024
| October iPhone to record progress in their school garden. 34
Expanding access to create possibilities
TechConnect Program — The New York Public Library

By expanding access to technology, the New York Public NYPL also serves the community by working to close the
Library (NYPL) is empowering New Yorkers to participate more digital literacy gap, while addressing important topics such
fully in their communities and helping create new pathways as misinformation, personal data security, and censorship.
to economic opportunity. Since 2020, Apple’s Community Library staff receive training on the latest technologies so
Education Initiative (CEI) has partnered with NYPL to offer they can help educate patrons on ways to discern what are
in-person and virtual training classes for New Yorkers of all credible sources of information and how to be proactive
backgrounds and skill levels as part of NYPL’s TechConnect about protecting their personal data.
program, which helps adults improve their computer skills
and grow more comfortable in today’s digital world.

Envisioning a new role for libraries “One of my major goals, and

As technology advances, libraries are adapting to better meet probably the reason why I love
the evolving needs of their communities. Dr. Brandy McNeil,
PhD, NYPL’s Deputy Director of Branch Programs & Services, my job so much, is because I
is at the forefront of this change. “One of the ways that we can am here to help serve those who
help shape the trajectory of libraries is to create learning spaces
that are designed for collaborative, interactive learning — one are disadvantaged, and provide
that fosters civic engagement, promotes cultural exchange of
diverse interests, and ensures that health and wellness not be
them with an opportunity to
overlooked,” said Dr. McNeil. be as successful, productive,
As President-Elect of the Public Library Association, Dr. McNeil and empowered as anyone else.”
also understands how different library systems operate, innovate,
and manage staff. She looks for opportunities to expand the Dr. Brandy McNeil
skills of NYPL facilitators by sending them to Apple Professional The New York Public Library, Deputy Director of Branch
Learning sessions and providing them with professional Programs & Services; Public Library Association
development courses they can take online and in person. President-Elect for 2025–2026

Dr. Brandy McNeil, The New York Public Library Deputy

Director of Branch Programs & Services.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 35

Expanding access to classes Using creativity to fight censorship
The TechConnect team continuously evolves its programming The library has been offering Unite Against Book Bans and
to keep up with the changing needs of New Yorkers through anticensorship programs throughout the year. For example,
ongoing conversations with patrons. To date, the program one class asked participants to recreate a banned book cover
has offered more than 100 online and in-person technology using TechConnect’s Code + Create Kits. Aspiring artist and
classes across 89 branches, making free educational programs NYPL patron Evelyn von Gizycki noted that after reading
more accessible for those who can’t travel to Midtown. The a very moving young adult memoir, she felt so much joy and
program’s leadership and staff work closely with branch heartbreak. She shared her interpretation of the cover at a
librarians and borough directors to identify locations in the spring celebration, saying, ”I got to read a little of the book, and
Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island that supplement the main I was really impressed by the honesty, the love, the humility, and
program at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) the humor. It’s not always easy to find joy in your pain and in
in Midtown. your suffering, but the author brilliantly describes the support
NYPL patron Evelyn von Gizycki engages in programming
offered at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. that he gets from many people and some communities.”
NYPL has also expanded its train-the-trainer program, which
trains SNFL instructors to teach staff at new locations how to Von Gizycki credits NYPL with increasing her sense of
lead high-quality local classes. Select classes are also held belonging, explaining that TechConnect has made a profound
after the library’s closing hours, so New Yorkers who have impact on her life. “We don’t want to leave children behind, but I
daytime commitments can take advantage of the program. Practicing and building on new skills felt like I was getting left behind as an adult. NYPL became my
To ensure that patrons have opportunities to build skills or second home. I don’t know what I would do without these
Teaching coding through Project Code pursue careers in the digital arts, NYPL opened a state-of-the-art instructors,” she said. “I love the New York Public Library,
studio and media stations where patrons can create with the because as adults, we also have opportunities to learn. The
With Apple’s support, NYPL has also expanded the availability
latest technologies. They can use GarageBand on iPad or Mac TechConnect classes have inspired me, awakened me, and
of Swift coding classes to more neighborhoods. Project Code,
to practice recording music after learning it in one of the classes humbled me,” said von Gizycki. I’m learning computer coding,
which uses Apple’s Everyone Can Code curriculum, is a
or go into the studio to record a podcast. graphic design, and how to create a website. Anyone who
12-week coding program with two iOS app development
knows me knows this is nothing short of miraculous.”
courses: Develop in Swift Explorations and Develop in Swift They also added a podcasting pilot program for non-native
Fundamentals. The two-hour hands-on classes are available English speakers. “We already knew that patrons who
online and onsite twice a week. After launching with virtual
programming during the pandemic, Project Code is now
attended our English-speaking classes were also coming to “We have expanded our widely
our TechConnect classes and getting help with job readiness
reaching a wider audience in underresourced communities skills through our Career Services department,” said Dr. McNeil. successful Project Code program
who are looking for opportunities to learn new skills. “Our goal is to collaborate and strengthen their skills so that
patrons can see beyond the typical path of learning and
with the help of Apple to provide
“With Apple’s support, we have expanded our widely successful
Project Code program to provide app development classes and practicing English.” app development classes and
the potential for certification,” said Dr. McNeil. “We scaled up to
four more certified facilitators to meet the demand for their
According to Dr. McNeil, the pilot program exemplifies the new the potential for certification.”
and important role that libraries can play in our communities.
coding programming using the NC3 Certiport course, App “One of my major goals, and probably the reason why I love Dr. Brandy McNeil
Development with Swift.” my job so much, is because I am here to help serve those who The New York Public Library, Deputy Director of Branch
are disadvantaged, and provide them with an opportunity to Programs & Services; Public Library Association
be as successful, productive, and empowered as anyone else.” President-Elect for 2025–2026

Education Impact Report | October 2024 36

Creating culturally relevant learning experiences
C3: Culture, Community, Creativity — Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Tribal Nation Initiative

To help educators in Native American communities engage Dana Cochran, a Sequoyah High School science teacher and
their students, Oklahoma City University (OCU) launched citizen of the Cherokee Nation, shared how she applied the
C3: Culture, Community, Creativity — a professional learning solution she developed in the program to her classroom. “Our
program for preschool through high school teachers across solution centered on a student-created podcast,” she said.
Oklahoma. Since its inception in 2022, two cohorts totaling “Teaching students to use technology to record, edit, and
46 educators from the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, publish their own content can get them excited about topics
Osage, and Muscogee (Creek) Nations have participated across the core curriculum.” Cochran’s students created
in the program. episodes on various topics, including raised garden beds on
campus that follow traditional Indigenous planting practices.
As a part of Apple’s Community Education Initiative (CEI), The goal was for students to produce content that combines
OCU received iPad devices, other hardware and software for traditional Indigenous knowledge with Western science. The
classrooms, funding, and professional learning. The university use of technology is helping them preserve and share their
also partnered with Apple to provide teachers with ongoing culture. “It’s an evolution of the storytelling that’s foundational
technical and professional support. Over the course of the C3 to Indigenous ways of knowing,” said Cochran.
program, participants use Apple’s Challenge Based Learning
framework — which guides learners of any age to facilitate During their time in C3, educators create electronic portfolios
change in their communities — to develop solutions they can that showcase the skills they develop along with the classroom
take back and implement in their classrooms. projects. They also complete the Apple Teacher program, earn
Apple Teacher recognition, and receive a stipend when they
Changing the landscape of instruction and complete the year-long program.
learning with technology
Throughout the year, teachers in the C3 program are guided by
Professional learning to prepare students
Dr. Helen Gaudin, C3 Project Manager, and Dr. Heather Sparks for in-demand jobs
from OCU’s Teacher Education Program, along with Apple Interested teachers are invited to enroll in the Instructional
Distinguished Educators. Design and Educational Technology graduate program at OCU,
which is supported by Apple CEI grant funds and hardware.
Dr. Sparks, a former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and director In the program, OCU provides tuition assistance to help
of the Teacher Education Program, is passionate about teachers earn a certificate in educational technology or a
preparing Oklahoma’s educators for success. She teaches master of education in instructional design and educational
Dana Cochran, Sequoyah High School science teacher. educators how they can use technology to enhance the way technology. OCU president Dr. Ken Evans remarked, “From
students learn and provide them with skills they can carry coding to more broad technical skills, by providing these
and apply well into the future.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 37

 learning opportunities for teachers, we’re helping young people
prepare for in-demand jobs while honoring the heritages,
languages, and traditions of these nations.”

Regardless of whether they continue their studies, teachers

who go through C3 continue to develop ideas that will multiply
student impact for years to come. They also encourage their
students to take on projects using Apple’s Everyone Can Code
and Everyone Can Create resources, which are then shared with
parents, in school assemblies, on district and Native nation
websites, and in competitions at the state and national levels.

When asked what’s next, Dr. Gaudin shared, “Educators from

the Year 2 cohort plan to launch new projects focused on app
development with Swift. These teachers will attend additional
coding training at OCU. At Sequoyah High School, the plan is
to develop an app that highlights historical and cultural sites
within the Cherokee Nation.”

“From coding to more broad

technical skills, we’re helping
young people prepare for
in-demand jobs while honoring
the heritages, languages, and Dana Cochran implementing Challenge Based Learning in her classroom.

traditions of these nations.”

Dr. Ken Evans
OCU President

Education Impact Report | October 2024 38

Cultivating skills in the artists of the future
Benedict College — The PROPEL Center

Benedict College, a Historically Black College and University Moore and Greene used the
(HBCU) in Columbia, South Carolina, has a rich history of grant to launch a new project to
fostering academic and personal growth. The college is driven engage students through the
by its mission to provide high-quality education that empowers creation of a graphic novel,
graduates to contribute to their communities and succeed in The Wonders of an HBCU.
their chosen fields. With grant support from the Propel Center, The students decided to focus
a learning and innovation hub launched in partnership with on their unique experiences at
Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, Benedict is helping the college, transforming their
talented students prepare for careers in the creative and memorable moments into short
digital arts. stories with the fantastical
elements of graphic novels. The
Launching projects with Propel grants students created an anthology
of stories, each sharing a
Gina Moore, a Professor of Art and Coordinator of the Studio Art
personal experience that led
Program, has taught thousands of hopeful artists at Benedict
to a valuable lesson.
College over the past 37 years. One of those students is
Sanford Greene, who went on to become a professional Greene’s background in illustration and sequential art brings
illustrator. He now gives back to his alma mater as an Artist-in- authenticity and expertise to the initiative, enriching the
Residence and Moore’s primary collaborator in finding ways learning environment for students. “Being able to come back
to ensure that the arts degree program inspires students and and give back is great, and it just so happens that the stars
prepares them for successful careers. aligned when we got this project and the grant,” he said.
“This is my profession, so it’s easy to guide the students even
In 2021, when Moore learned about the Propel Center’s Impact
though they’ve never been a part of something like this.”
Grants program, she knew it was the perfect opportunity for her
students. By providing cutting-edge technology and coding
education, the Propel Center helps students prepare for careers Giving students hands-on experience
in high-demand fields, such as software development, digital The process of creating the graphic novel began by selecting
arts, and music production. As part of this work, the Impact talented junior and senior visual arts students who were
Grants program aims to create more opportunities in under- academically prepared to take on the project. Greene and his
resourced communities and ensure that all students have assistant, Asia Fullmore, guided the students through character
access to the tools they need. Benedict College was awarded a creation, world-building, and sequential storytelling while
Colleagues Gina Moore and Sanford Greene ignite student
creativity at Benedict College. grant to create new learning experiences and build work-study teaching them to use software like Procreate on iPad.
pathways that align to courses, certifications, and internships
offered through Propel in the creative and digital arts.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 39

“Apple’s technology has enabled Engaging with the community
The project also attracted significant community involvement
our students to explore new from accomplished professionals of color who inspired the
creative possibilities and develop students. Publishers and artists conducted special career
days, providing valuable insights on student portfolios.
skills that are highly relevant in The graphic novel’s publication was supported by a local
today’s job market. The project Black-owned publishing company and a local printing company
for merchandise. This comprehensive approach cultivated the
not only prepared students for students’ skills and provided firsthand insights into potential
career paths.
their future careers but also
fostered a sense of pride and A sense of achievement
accomplishment.” One of the most memorable aspects of the project was the
students’ sense of achievement upon becoming published
Sanford Greene sets the stage for brainstorming and ideation
with digital art students.
authors. They participated in book signings, exhibitions, and
Gina Moore
other events that celebrated their work. These experiences
Professor of Art and Coordinator of the Studio Art Program,
not only boosted their confidence but also connected them
Benedict College
with the community.

The graphic novel initiative at Benedict College exemplifies

Greene said many students are interested in careers in the power of combining education, technology, and community
animation, concept design, and sequential art, so working on engagement. Its success can be attributed to its relevance
the graphic novel provided hands-on experience that helped to students’ interests and aspirations, as well as Moore’s and
prepare them for these fields. Apple technology played a crucial Greene’s inspiring commitment to providing meaningful
role throughout the project, with students using iPad, Mac, and educational experiences.
various software tools to learn and create.
“It was just good to work with something of this magnitude.
From initial brainstorming and writing to the final stages of This grant was shared with our other academic units in the
publishing and promotion, the students played an integral department, so we joined forces with other disciplines, which
part in every stage of the creative process. “It wasn’t just ’let’s made it exciting,” said Moore. “If these students are encouraged
produce a novel.’ It was learning the software and hardware and inspired by something, they’re going to share it. I mean,
and about opportunities in the field. They didn’t have to just we can talk about it, but them sharing with enthusiasm is so
go out and be a graphic designer. They learned all aspects much better. They’re the greatest advocates for this.”
of the publishing field,” said Greene.
Erin Graves, a senior studio art major, begins sketching her
ideas using iPad and Apple Pencil.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 40

Transforming teacher education through culture and technology
Aggie Academy — North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University’s College of Education

Founded in 1891, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical

State University (NC A&T) is the nation’s largest HBCU and a
“Integrating technology into our
long-time leader among public land-grant research institutions. curriculum across all units in the
Renowned for its extraordinary faculty and leaders, the school’s
College of Education is dedicated to advancing the principles
College of Education and Aggie
of equity and justice, while facilitating transformative teaching Academy allows us to innovate
and learning experiences across the “K-to-Gray” spectrum.
The university also operates Aggie Academy, a free, public teaching and learning to meet
lab school, where a partnership with Apple is creating new the diverse needs of all of our
opportunities for educators and students alike.
learners — from elementary
Bringing theory into practice through school to adult — while holding
Aggie Academy’s living laboratory strong to our mission to enact
North Carolina A&T established Aggie Academy to provide
better learning opportunities for students who previously culturally sustaining and
attended low-performing schools. Enrolling third-to-fifth transformative and liberatory
graders in Guilford County, Aggie Academy also serves as
a living laboratory for the College of Education, enabling educational practices.”
faculty and students from the college to regularly engage
with Aggie Academy, bringing theory into practice. Dr. Paula Groves Price
Dean of the College of Education
Since opening its doors for the 2022–23 academic year, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
student outcomes at Aggie Academy have been outstanding.
Today, it’s one of the highest-performing lab schools in
the state,5 and it was recently recognized as an Apple
Distinguished School.

Dr. Paula Groves Price, College of Education Dean at North

Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T).

Education Impact Report | October 2024 41

 Advancing the mission through the power
of collaboration
As Aggie Academy heads into its third full academic year,
the future looks promising. By bringing together diverse
resources and expertise, the collaboration between North
Carolina A&T and Apple is helping create a vibrant educational
environment that benefits students, educators, and the
broader community. As both the College of Education and
Aggie Academy continue to grow and evolve, they show
what’s possible when institutions come together with a
shared commitment to excellence and equity — and with
the right tools and technology to support their mission.

Aggie Academy Principal, Janel Harris-Hamiel, participates in professional learning with fellow faculty and staff from Aggie Academy
and the College of Education.
”Allowing students to use Swift
Playgrounds on their iPad devices
has been transformative for Aggie
Innovating a strong STEAM curriculum “Allowing students to use Swift Playgrounds on their iPad Academy scholars’ coding skills.”
Through a grant from Apple’s Community Education Initiative devices has been transformative for Aggie Academy scholars’
coding skills,” she said. “They have grown significantly in their Shayla Thompson
(CEI), the College of Education is working to ensure that faculty
understanding of programming concepts, problem-solving STEAM Teacher
and students have the skills needed to create a strong STEAM
ecosystem at Aggie Academy and beyond. As part of this abilities, and creativity in designing their own projects. iPad has
initiative, faculty, teachers, and students enrolled in the college provided an engaging and accessible platform that has made
participate in professional learning opportunities, earn badges, learning coding both enjoyable and educational
and have the opportunity to become recognized Apple Teachers. for them.”

Across the College of Education, faculty are also integrating Likewise, College of Education Dean Dr. Paula Groves Price
technology into curriculum and research. For instance, while shared how the partnership with Apple is helping advance the
Department of Educator Preparation faculty collaborate college’s mission. “Integrating technology into our curriculum
with Aggie Academy to strengthen preservice teachers’ across all units in the College of Education and Aggie Academy
skills, the Department of Counseling is exploring ways that allows us to innovate teaching and learning to meet the diverse
Apple technologies can enhance the preparation of mental needs of all of our learners — from elementary school to
health counselors. adult — while holding strong to our mission to enact culturally
sustaining and transformative and liberatory educational
Meanwhile at Aggie Academy, students and teachers use practices,” she said.
iPad to foster creativity and learn new skills. Shayla Thompson, Shayla Thompson, Aggie Academy STEAM teacher and
a STEAM teacher and instructional coach at the school, instructional coach.
described the impact of using Swift coding apps on iPad.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 42

Preserving culture while creating opportunities
Indigenous Education Initiative — Tl’etinqox ?esqul (kleh-deen-ko)

Embracing a student-centered approach and sketch their ideas, conveying more than they could through
text-based expression. Apple’s assistive technology is also
Located on the unceded lands of the Tsilhqot’in people near
empowering students who have communication difficulties to
Alexis Creek, British Columbia, Tl’etinqox ?esqul is a K–12
flourish. Families are impressed by the new skills their children
sovereign school run by the Tl’etinqox government. The
bring home and how their learning flows into the community
Tsilhqot’in people value their youth greatly, and that’s reflected
due to the ease of documenting stories and songs.
in the school’s student-centered approach to learning.

“Everything else falls into place once our students’ needs are Using Mac and Pro Apps to document culture
prioritized, which begins with trust. Trust is earned through
With Mac, secondary students are empowered to explore
consistent actions and having them be authentic voices
photography and videography at an industry-standard
and leaders in the school, which includes everything from the
level. They use Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro to produce,
hiring process of school staff to leading activities in the school,”
create, and edit documentaries of their history. They use
said school principal Colin Cook.
Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to edit school portraits
or classroom photos. Some are even using their creative
Enabling personalized learning with Apple skills to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities both at school
Tl’etinqox ?esqul uses Apple technology to support a curriculum and within the community.
focused on language and culture. To enable personalized
learning, the school makes iPad available to every student, and Improving engagement and performance
Colin Cook, Principal of Tl’etinqox ?esqul School. all students in grades 6–12 have access to a Mac. Apple has
As a result of these efforts, Tl’etinqox ?esqul has seen a
supported staff and students through six years of virtual and
dramatic improvement in student engagement and outcomes.
on-site learning experiences. This collaboration has provided
The personalized learning enabled by Apple technology is
opportunities for members of the community to learn directly
helping students become more confident in their abilities and
Indigenous communities in Canada have long faced systemic from Apple Professional Learning Specialists and Apple
more willing to share their perspectives. Some students
barriers to quality education. Deeply rooted inequities have Distinguished Educators, while using Everyone Can Create
diagnosed with cognitive disabilities or behavioral issues prior
bred intergenerational trauma and widespread distrust of and Everyone Can Code resources to share stories and express
to enrolling in Tl’etinqox ?esqul are now thriving. One grade 11
educational systems, resulting in fewer learning opportunities their creativity.
student says, “In the beginning, in any other school, I would’ve
for Indigenous youth. However, with an emphasis on self- been kicked out or dropped out, but it’s different here.”
determination and sovereignty in education, many communities Using iPad to connect with culture
are making significant progress in improving student outcomes. According to Principal Cook, as of June 2024, 65 percent of
In grades 1–4, students use Pages on iPad for Indigenous land-
Tl’etinqox ?esqul School is an example of an on-reserve students at Tl’etinqox ?esqul were reading at or above grade
based teaching activities that would otherwise be impossible.
school that’s transforming Indigenous education, with leaders level, up from just 40 percent in 2018. And he says the progress
iPad has made it easy — and meaningful — to document
using Apple technology to provide students with enriching in math over the same period has been even more dramatic,
learning through photos, film, and audio. Students can draw
experiences that honor their culture and heritage.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 43

 “Apple technology connects
our students with our knowledge
and language keepers to create
digital records and archives of
traditional knowledge, stories,
and songs that would otherwise
be lost. The value of that
knowledge is immeasurable.”
Colin Cook
Principal, Tl’etinqox ?esqul School
Grade 11 student uses Final Cut Pro to edit a documentary.

with the proportion of students performing at grade level Among other experiences, students participated in an exchange school broaden students’ perspectives, they’re also helping
rising from less than 50 percent to more than 90 percent. with a diverse learning community from Hawai’i that included elders and other community members reshape how they view the
Kanaka Māoli (Native Hawaiian) and other Indigenous youth. education system. Now, Cook and the students are exploring
Cook also notes that daily attendance of secondary students The participants learned about each other’s land, shared ways to create more community-based artwork to preserve the
has increased to 98 percent. And that incredibly, the school is traditions, customs, and cultural values. Traveling to another community’s language, voice, and story.
now projected to have a 100 percent graduation rate for the country helped Tl’etinqox ?esqul students see that the world is
2024–25 school year, significantly outpacing the 52 percent far bigger than their community near Alexis Creek. On the ride
national average for on-reserve students. home, Cook overheard one student quietly say, “I think I’m not
just a ’rez kid’ anymore.”
Opening a gateway to the outside world
“Our students have connected with Indigenous peers in
Beyond its academic impact, Apple technology has helped other countries and careers that would have otherwise been
create a gateway to the outside world, allowing students to inaccessible to them,” Cook said. “They are acquiring skills
explore opportunities that would not be available otherwise. that enable them to compete for opportunities, which is
“Our community is small and remote, with limited career a significant game changer. We notice confidence in our
prospects,” said Cook. “Young people have always faced students as learners and as proud Tsilhqot’ins.”
a dilemma between seeking opportunities for themselves
and not wanting to leave their families behind.” Inspired by other Indigenous communities in Ontario, the
school worked with an artist to create a large-format mural
that documents and showcases Tsilhqot’in culture and history. Grades 3 and 4 students create infographics in Pages on iPad.
Located at the entrance of the school, the mural reinforces
student learning and their heritage. And as practices at the

Education Impact Report | October 2024 44

Building confidence and skills through second chances
Firme Coding — Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub

What does Firme Coding do? Why use coding to reenter the workforce?
At Firme Coding, we teach coding to formerly incarcerated My sister is a programmer; she asked her HR department if
individuals as a way for them to earn a living wage. Through they’d hire someone with a criminal background. They said they
my volunteer work at Homeboy Industries, an organization that would, as long as the person knew what they were doing. I was
provides hope, training, and support for people who were hired very quickly as an intern and then offered a full-time
previously involved in gangs or incarcerated, I realized that many software engineering job. Seeing the opportunity it gave me, I
of them lacked basic computer literacy skills, making economic wanted to extend that support to others — especially to women.
mobility more challenging. They often didn’t have access to
technology while imprisoned, and because technology evolves Many of the women had been separated from their children
so quickly, even a few years without access can severely disrupt and, when they returned to society, had to provide for
their ability to enter the workforce. So, in collaboration with themselves and their families. The traditional path often begins
Homeboy Industries, I launched Firme Coding to empower and with entry-level jobs in fast-food restaurants, which don’t
educate individuals with criminal backgrounds, preparing them provide the financial security these women need. Although
for tech employment. the journey can be difficult and full of setbacks, coding opens
doors to economic mobility and stability.

How did your experiences lead you to create

What impacts are you seeing?
Firme Coding?
Many Firme Coding members didn’t even know how to use
I, too, am formerly incarcerated. Luckily, I had the support
a computer — now they’re all tech savvy! For example, one
of my family — especially my sister. She encouraged me to
member who couldn’t search the web or use digital tools
continue my studies while incarcerated and to enroll in college
before the program is pursuing his master’s degree online
once released. I earned my degree in computer science from
Maria Martinez, Founder of Firme Coding. Photo provided by at the University of Southern California.
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
California State University, Northridge.
What most people view as simple — things like accessing
I also relied on the support system of Homeboy Industries.
iCloud on iPhone, iPad, and Mac — can be game changers for
Wanting to give back to my community, I began volunteering
our students. They’re more comfortable using tools like iMovie,
in a supportive role for other formerly incarcerated individuals.
Apple Podcasts, and Keynote to create their content and tell
Firme Coding was launched to create coding and workforce It then occurred to me that teaching them what I knew —
their stories.
training for formerly incarcerated individuals. Apple has coding — could help them increase their earning capacity.
been supporting Firme Coding’s work through a grant awarded To get started, I applied for an HSI Community grant through Firme Coding is about second chances. Building confidence
by the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub, an initiative launched the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub at CSUN. Thankfully, we and skills within a supportive community empowers members
out of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) received the grant, and with the support of CSUN’s Project to redirect their lives and open new paths to success.
to expand technology and opportunity within the broad Rebound program and Homeboy Industries, we were able to
community of Hispanic-Serving Institutions. bring my vision of Firme Coding to reality.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 45

Fostering inclusivity in AIML research
Apple’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) Conference Travel Grant — Morgan State University

How did you learn about Apple’s AIML These conferences have empowered students by validating
Conference Travel Grant? their unique ideas and contributions. The program has also
demystified AIML by showing them that they can actively
I was introduced to the grant by my colleague, Dr. Michael
participate in and contribute to this rapidly evolving discipline.
Spencer, Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering
And it has fostered a sense of belonging, helping them see
Department at Morgan State University. He learned about it
themselves as a part of a broader community of researchers.
through his involvement in Apple’s HBCU Innovation Grant,
Overall, the program has encouraged students to pursue AIML
which focuses on supporting learning in silicon and hardware
careers with confidence and ambition.
technologies. Given my current role as Director of the Center
for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Systems at Morgan State, Dr. Spencer believed I could How does the grant advance your university’s
create new opportunities for our students with this grant. AIML research practice?
The AIML Conference Travel Grant connects the center’s
Why is it crucial for diverse communities to research with cutting-edge trends and developments in
contribute to AIML research? industry and academia. Conferences are hotbeds of new ideas
and innovations, where students discover tools, methods, or
AIML technologies impact many aspects of our lives, from
frameworks that can be integrated into their AI research. By
healthcare to criminal justice. Including a wide range of
bringing these fresh insights back to their projects, they
perspectives in the development process helps reduce bias
enhance the center’s capabilities and make their work more
in these systems and effectively address the needs of diverse
efficient and effective.
communities. When people from different backgrounds come
Kofi Nyarko, Director of the Center for Equitable Artificial together, they bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table. The grant also provides valuable networking opportunities
Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems at Morgan State
that have led to collaborations with other researchers and
University, Maryland. Photo provided by Morgan State.
What impact has the grant program had on institutions. These connections are instrumental in securing
the HBCU students you teach? future funding, accessing additional resources, and partnering
on joint projects that require sophisticated technology or
One of its most transformative effects has been broadening our expertise beyond what’s available at the center.
Apple’s AIML Conference Travel Grant enables early-career students’ horizons regarding what’s possible in their academic
PhD students from HBCUs to attend top machine learning and professional lives. By attending AIML conferences, which
conferences. The grants help provide opportunities for PhD otherwise may have been inaccessible, they’ve been introduced
students at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to attend to cutting-edge research and innovations, deepening their
conferences, along with educational resources to help prepare understanding of the field and motivating them to set higher
them for an enriching experience at the conference. goals for their work.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 46

Empowering HBCU women in tech: mind, body, and soul
HBCU Coding Bootcamp — Arise and Shine Foundation, Inc.

Arise and Shine Foundation, Inc. aims to help young women programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, and Flash.
attending HBCUs unlock their potential through E.S.T.E.A.M. I learned how to use Sparkle and Dreamweaver for website
(Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, development, building websites for myself and friends
and Math). Through a partnership with Apple’s Community for free. I also taught myself JavaScript and Hypertext
Education Initiative (CEI), which provided technology, curriculum, Preprocessor (PHP).
and professional learning, Arise and Shine launched their
HBCU Coding Bootcamp, a program designed to foster I started doing all I could to empower women. In 2020,
confidence and exposure to coding and app development. an opportunity to partner with brands to host women’s
empowerment events came along. It was at one of those
events in 2023 where I launched the Arise and Shine
What led you to start the Arise and Shine Foundation, Inc., which aims to help young women attending
Foundation, Inc.? HBCUs unlock their potential through E.S.T.E.A.M.
As an actress for more than 40 years, I’ve been fortunate
This journey has taught me about the power of change, how
to meet some incredible women from all walks of life and
to pivot, and how to shift. I learned that through technology,
industries. Many of these women look like me, my sisters, and
I can build channels, avenues, and opportunities that I didn’t
my mother, so I’ve always had a deep affinity for women, the
think were available to me as an artist. But because technology
unique plight of women, and the importance of sisterhood.
has evolved us as artists, I naturally became a different kind
Growing up, my parents always impressed upon me and my of artist. I became an artist who used technology.
sisters to take care of one another. So 15 years ago, when I
found myself in what I call one of “life’s valleys,” it was women — What is Arise and Shine’s HBCU Coding
my sisters, my sister friends — who came and supported and Bootcamp, and what unique need is it
uplifted me. They encouraged me to pursue what I was already
meeting in the HBCU community?
starting to do, which was to transition, do something different,
and change my circumstance — and I knew it would involve In 2023, with the support of CEI, we launched our first
entrepreneurship, technology, and supporting women. program, the HBCU Coding Bootcamp — a three-day event
focused on empowering women through virtual coding and
Technology was transforming my whole industry. I would scholarship. Designed to elevate the personal and professional
tell my fellow actors, especially women, any chance I got development of young women at HBCUs, the program equips
Malinda Williams, Founder of Arise and Shine Foundation, Inc. that “technology is here, it’s changing everything — how we participants with real-world skills and opportunities, fostering
Photo provided by Aliyah Monai. view content, how we create content, and how we distribute a more inclusive tech sector and paving the way for greater
content; let’s be sure that we are prepared to meet that representation and impact. This experience simultaneously
change.” I bought a book and started teaching myself different builds their confidence and prioritizes health and wellness.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 47

Participants across 19 HBCU institutions came together at
Jackson State University — an HBCU in Mississippi — to
How has your partnership with Apple “Apple’s Everyone Can Code
provided access and equity for the bootcamp
participate in a rigorous coding curriculum, hands-on group
participants? curriculum, which was
sessions, and mentorship facilitated through strategic
partnerships. Inspirational speakers and daily wellness activities Apple’s Everyone Can Code curriculum, which was designed designed around using the
were embedded seamlessly into the learning experience. around using the Swift UI, was easy for the students to
understand, which was helpful because some of our cohort
Swift UI, was easy for the
Why is it important to create a supportive
had little or no experience with coding. The professional students to understand, which
learning and general support provided by the CEI team has
space for young women looking to enter been invaluable. Apple provided us with the resources and was helpful because some
ESTEAM careers? information we needed to create a top-notch program. of our cohort had little or no
In the technology industry, women — and women of color in
particular — are often the “only ones.” I want to foster a space
My overarching goal is to amplify the diverse tapestry of experience with coding. The
HBCUs, thereby fostering a heightened interest and increased
where young women can be nurtured and encouraged, where
they can build skills before entering the workplace. I want to
representation in STEAM careers. professional learning and
build a program that enhances self-esteem and well-being, general support provided by
a positive self-perception, and emotional intelligence. We
nurture a balanced mindset through evidence-based wellness
Apple’s Community Education
practices to enhance technical and soft skills that are crucial Initiative (CEI) team has been
for a successful career.
invaluable.”
This multifaceted approach involves spotlighting the
intersection of technology and the art of wellness, creating
curated and meaningful experiences. Malinda Williams
Founder, Arise and Shine Foundation, Inc.

Education Impact Report | October 2024 48

 “Education is one of the most
powerful forces for equity.
Because our efforts around the
world are centered on a mission
of equity, we work tirelessly to
ensure that learners from all
backgrounds have access to the
technology that can open up
possibilities and expand access
to opportunities. This belief is
core to who we are, and this
work dates back to Apple’s
earliest days as a company.
And it’s work that we will
continue to do going forward.”
Stacy Erb
Director, Apple Community Education Initiative

Students
Educationat St. Martin
Impact Reportde |Porres School
October 2024in Ghana. 49
Resources
Use these resources to do more and learn more with Apple products — from coding and creating to building and engaging with community.
We can’t wait to see what you do with them.

Apple Distinguished Schools — Centers of leadership and Elements of Learning — A book about using research-based
educational excellence that demonstrate Apple’s vision for strategies to design deeper student learning experiences
learning with technology — and we believe they are some of with Apple technology.
the most innovative schools in the world.
Everyone Can Create — Resources that make it easier for
Apple Professional Learning Live — Hands-on virtual experiences educators to unlock student creativity and bring active learning
hosted by Apple Professional Learning Specialists where to any lesson with iPad.
participants can explore helpful resources, practice new skills,
and reflect on ways Apple technology can support great Machine Learning Research — Research from Apple that
learning and teaching. explores advancements in machine learning.

Challenge for Change Learning Series — A part of Apple’s Racial swift.org — An open source community for Swift learners of
Equity and Justice Initiative designed to help anyone explore all ages.
important issues in their communities and create innovative Swift Student Challenge — A program to support and uplift
solutions to make lasting impact. the next generation of student developers, creators, and
Challenge Based Learning (CBL) — A framework created by entrepreneurs. When students learn to code with Swift, they
Apple to leverage technology in meaningful ways and make join a worldwide community of developers who are creating
learning relevant. CBL makes it easy for anyone to address the next wave of groundbreaking apps.
Apple Education Initiatives — We believe education moves
everyone forward. Read more about how our partners around personal, community, and global challenges while acquiring Teaching Code with Swift Playgrounds — Resources educators
the world help people have greater access to education. content knowledge in areas such as literacy, math, science, can use to help students build essential skills while learning
technology, and the arts. app development on iPad and Mac using Swift Playgrounds.
Apple Developer Academy — A nine-month program that
Develop in Swift Tutorials — Self-guided tutorials that help Today at Apple — Free daily sessions at the Apple Store,
covers the basics of coding, as well as areas such as design,
students build great apps with easy-to-follow instructions perfect for educators and students to explore teaching tools
marketing, and project management, empowering students with
using Xcode and Swift — a great first step to a career in and creative activities together. Choose from a wide range
a full set of skills needed to become world-class entrepreneurs
app development. of learning experiences.
and developers.

Apple Education Initiatives Report | October 2024 50

Apple Education Community — An online, professional learning
hub designed to support educators using Apple technology for
teaching and learning. The Community provides free programs
and recognitions, tutorials, lesson ideas, and the opportunity for
educators to connect and learn from one another. Explore key
resources within the Community below.

• Apple Distinguished Educators — A global community of

innovative educators who foster powerful ideas to improve
teaching and learning using Apple products.

• Apple Learning Coach — A free professional learning

program for coaching educators to help teachers get more
out of Apple technology.

• Apple Teacher — A free, self-paced professional learning

program that equips educators with iPad and Mac skills and
guides them to design engaging new learning experiences.

• Leadership Forum in the Community — A space where leaders

can share insights and solutions with their peers, and explore
the role Apple can play in this work.

• Teaching & Learning Forum in the Community — A space

for educators to exchange ideas that spark learning for
themselves and their students.

Endnotes
1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Education: “College of Education and Discovery Partners Institute Announce Second-year Expansion of Computer Science Teaching Endorsement,”
education.illinois.edu/about/news-events/news/article/2022/06/22/college-of-education-and-discovery-partners-institute-announce-second-year-expansion-of-computer-science-teaching-endorsement
2. GOV.UK – Explore education statistics, “Schools, pupils and their characteristics, academic year 2023–25,” explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk
3. Sáinz, et al., “Interventions to increase young people’s interest in STEM. A scoping review,” Front Psychol., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9593045, October 2022
4. Tseng, et al., “Co-ML: Collaborative Machine Learning Model Building for Developing Dataset Design Practices,” machinelearning.apple.com/research/coml, January 2024
5. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction – North Carolina School Report Cards for school year 2022–23, ncreports.ondemand.sas.com/src

Education Impact Report | October 2024 51

 © 2024 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, AirDrop, AirPlay, Apple Pencil, Apple TV, Final Cut Pro, GarageBand, iMac, iMovie, iPad, iPhone, Keynote, Logic Pro, Mac, MacBook, Numbers, Pages, Swift, Swift Playgrounds, SwiftUI, and
Xcode are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Podcasts, Apple Store, Everyone Can Create, Everyone Can Code, iCloud, and Today at Apple are service marks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
ACOT is a service mark of Apple Inc. IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.