Apple announces new Racial Equity and Justice Initiative projects to challenge systemic racism

Apple has announced today that its launching a set of major new projects as part of its $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) which includes “a first-of-its-kind global innovation and learning hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” an Apple Developer Academy to support coding and tech education for students in Detroit; and venture capital funding for Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

It was teased yesterday that Apple was going to make a big announcement on Wednesday, with the company confirming the details of said announcement today within an update to Apple.com.

The new projects will provide venture capital funding for Black and Brown entrepreneurs as well as a $25 million contribution from Apple to build an innovation and learning hub designed to support the next generation of diverse leaders, providing innovative curricula, technology support, career opportunities, and fellowship programs.

“Apple today announced a set of major new projects as part of its $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) to help dismantle systemic barriers to opportunity and combat injustices faced by communities of color.

These forward-looking and comprehensive efforts include the Propel Center, a first-of-its-kind global innovation and learning hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); an Apple Developer Academy to support coding and tech education for students in Detroit; and venture capital funding for Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

Together, Apple’s REJI commitments aim to expand opportunities for communities of color across the country and to help build the next generation of diverse leaders.”

Apple says the Propel Center will offer a wide range of educational tracks, including AI and machine learning, agricultural technologies, social justice, entertainment arts, app development, augmented reality, design and creative arts, career preparation, and entrepreneurship. Experts from Apple will help develop curricula and provide ongoing mentorship and learning support, along with offering internship opportunities.

Image: Apple

Later this year, Apple will open an Apple Developer Academy in Detroit — the first of its kind in the US. “The academy is designed to empower young Black entrepreneurs, creators, and coders,” says Apple, helping them learn the skills necessary for jobs relating to apps. Launched in collaboration with Michigan State University, Apple Developer Academy courses will be open to all learners across Detroit, regardless of their academic background or whether they have any previous coding experience.

The Apple Developer Academy will offer two programs in Detroit. A 30-day introductory program is designed for learners who are considering app economy careers and looking to better understand what it means to be a developer. The full academy program is an intensive 10- to 12-month program that will help aspiring developers build the skills needed to participate in the iOS app economy, and even start their own businesses. Apple expects the academy’s programming to reach close to 1,000 students each year with a curriculum that covers coding, design, marketing, and professional skills.

You can read Apple’s full announcement online here.