Apple awarding $5 million to four historically Black colleges and universities

Howard University is one of four institutions receiving funds

The Racial Equity and Injustice Initiative is a $100 million fund supplied by Apple to ensure more positive outcomes for communities of color. It focuses on three areas: education, criminal justice reform, and economic equality.

On Thursday, Apple announced four new schools that would be receiving funds. Alabama A&M University, Howard University, Morgan State University, and Prairie View A&M University will each receive three-year grants to support each school's engineering pipelines.

"The HBCU community is home to incredible Black talent and we are thrilled to work alongside these universities to enhance the opportunities for their students," said Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of environment, policy and social Initiatives in a statement. "We know many jobs of the future will be in innovative areas like silicon engineering and we want to help ensure the leaders of tomorrow have access to transformational learning opportunities."

According to USA Today, studies show Black professionals make up only 5% of the tech workforce, 3% of tech executives, and 1% of tech founders. Apple hopes to target historically Black colleges and universities to address such disparity in the workforce.

In addition to the funds, Apple is providing education resources directly. Students will be able to engage with Apple engineers through design projects and internships.

Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast — and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.

If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.

AppleInsider is also bringing you the best Apple-related deals for Amazon Prime Day 2021. There are bargains before, during, and even after Prime Day on June 21 and 22 — with every deal at your fingertips throughout the event.