Apple offers hardware, funding to Texas Southern University in racial equity initiative

As part of a recently announced expansion to its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, Apple is providing Texas Southern University with hardware and funding to further the school's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program.

TSU in Houston is one of 11 new schools to enter Apple's HBCU C² program, an initiative designed to bring coding and creativity experiences to historically black colleges and universities. The strategy relies on Apple hardware and the company's Everyone Can Code and Everyone Can Create curricula.

As part of the strategy, Apple will provide mobile iPad and Mac labs, as well as other equipment, to teachers and students enrolled in eligible programs. The tech giant is also offering students professional development opportunities, including scholarships and jobs, and funding for staff, reports the Houston Chronicle.

"I think it's an extremely innovative partnership that will allow our students to be prepared for the careers of tomorrow and I'm excited that we have the opportunity to partner with Apple," Lesia Crumpton-Young, president of TSU, said in a statement.

Apple on Tuesday announced a $30 million commitment to expand its $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, with the new tranche set to fund projects including a Global Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Equity Innovation Hub, a new cohort of the Apple Entrepreneur Camp immersive tech lab for Hispanic/Latinx founders and developers, and advancement of criminal justice reform and environmental justice. HBCUs like TSU will benefit from broader educational initiatives.

Prior to this week's REJI expansion, Apple in June allotted $5 million of the fund to programs benefitting Alabama A&M University, Howard University, Morgan State University, and Prairie View A&M University.