Just weeks after releasing a diversity report that showed little progress, Apple is launching a scholarship program for students who attend historically black colleges and universities.
In partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which supports the nation’s HBCUs, Apple will give 30 students up to $25,000 to pay for their senior year and a summer internship at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters.
"This program is about exposing gifted students from HBCUs to a career in technology,” Apple Vice President of Worldwide Human Resources Denise Smith said in a statement. “We're big believers that innovation will be strongest when talented people from diverse backgrounds are part of the creative process.”
The scholarship is part of a new partnership between Apple and TMCF to increase the number of people of color in tech. Apple has committed more than $40 million to the initiative, which is the largest corporate investment specifically given to students and faculty at four-year HBCUs, according to TMCF.
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In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship winners will be paired with Apple mentors and participate in a career-development program.