In an attempt to provide technology to some of the neediest students in the United States, Apple joined forces with President Obama in the ConnectED initiative that will be supplying 114 schools across the country with iPads and Macs. Schools have recently started hearing that they are the fortunate few to be selected in this grant-based project that aims to bridge a wide gap between poverty and possibilities.
To qualify for this program, a minimum of 96% of the students attending the school have to be eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program. Teachers and school administrators then had to apply for the grant earlier in 2014 – which is just what Burton Elementary Principal Ana Aleman-Putnam and 5th grade teacher Jen Magalski did on behalf of their school in Michigan. The process included a personal visit from Apple staff in September, and on Monday, October 27th, they learned their school had been selected to receive the grant.
As part of this grant, Apple will supply Burton Elementary with 544 iPads – enough for each student – and the teachers will receive Macs and iPads, along with training and support from Apple. The students at Burton meet all of the guidelines for the grant, with 97% on the lunch program and a student body more than 85% Latino.
Apple CEO Tim Cook emailed a letter to Aleman-Putnam, saying in part:
“The vision you shared for your students, your school and your community has inspired us, and I’m excited to let you know that your school has been selected for a grant. We know that schools in economically disadvantaged communities face unique challenges. Most applications highlighted tremendous need in their communities. Equally as important, they were brimming with optimism about what their schools can accomplish.”
Apple will begin delivery of the devices in early 2015, starting with the teachers and administrators so that they can be prepared to help their students make the most of the technology. A total of 114 schools in the US across 29 states will receive ConnectED grants. The demographics include 92% of students being Hispanic, Black, Native American, Alaskan Native, or Asian heritage.
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