DETROIT, MI – December 9, 2021 – Today, Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan announced it will be part of a new program that Apple is launching with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to bring coding opportunities to young learners across the country. The new collaboration will bring coding with Swift to tens of thousands of students across the US — including learners in metro Detroit — and builds on Apple’s existing partnership with BGCA through the company’s Community Education Initiatives in support of its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.
“The partnership with Apple and generous donation of hardware has helped Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan take the next step as a tech forward organization,” said Shawn H. Wilson, president & CEO of BGCSM. “Together with Apple we are able to build an ecosystem of neighborhood and tech entrepreneurs of all ages throughout metro-Detroit.”
“At Apple, we believe education is 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. “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.”
Using iPad and Apple’s free Everyone Can Code curriculum — and with ongoing professional support from Apple educators — Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan will integrate coding into their programming, giving students the opportunity to collaborate, create, think, and engage in new ways.
Learn more about Industry Club and how youth can be involved visit: https://www.bgcsm.org/industry-club/