Apple is kickstarting Computer Science Education Week by announcing a new program that will propel the future generation of STEM leaders.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America will now have an opportunity to teach students how to code through Apple’s latest collaboration. Now thousands of students across 12 U.S. cities will code with Apple’s Swift — an easy-to-use program designed to turn ideation into an application.
“At Apple, we believe education is a force for equity, and that all learners should have the opportunity to explore and develop coding skills for their future,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, according to an official press release from Apple. “Together with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we’ve already introduced thousands of students to innovative technology experiences, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership to bring coding with Swift to even more communities across the country.”
What The Program WIll Offer Students
Children will have access to iPad and Apple’s free Everyone Can Code curriculum alongside support from Apple educators. The hands-on program will encourage students to incorporate coding into their programming and students will conceptualize and work alongside their peers to understand the intricacies of app design and development. Furthermore, adopting critical thinking skills and creative problem solving will be a focal point for the program.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to helping youth reach their full potential, which includes equipping young people with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them for years to come,” said Jim Clark, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s president and CEO, according to an official press release from Apple. “We are thrilled to partner with Apple to enhance Club programming with innovative and educational coding activities that will build kids’ and teens’ engagement and opportunity in technology.”
Apple Plans To Expand Its Coding Program
According to Apple’s press release, the program will debut in 10 regions including Atlanta; Austin, Texas; metro D.C.; Miami-Dade County, Florida; Wake County, North Carolina; and Silicon Valley. Already the program has launched in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Chicago; Detroit; Nashville, Tennessee; and Newark, New Jersey. This will only be the beginning as Apple plans to extend its reach to clubs nationwide.
