Apple HBCU Scholars Program: Empowering Future Leaders in Technology
The Apple HBCU Scholars Program, a partnership between Apple and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), represents a historic investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their students. This comprehensive program aims to identify, develop, and harness talent from the nation’s community of HBCUs, providing opportunities for students in various disciplines to excel in the tech field.
A Landmark Initiative
The over $40 million multi-year commitment from Apple is the largest and most comprehensive corporate investment ever given exclusively for students and faculty of four-year HBCUs. This initiative underscores Apple's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the technology industry. The program is designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to offer invaluable mentorship and hands-on experience to participating students.
Components of the Program
The Apple HBCU Scholars Program encompasses several key components designed to support students and faculty at HBCUs:
- Talent Database: Building a comprehensive talent database to connect HBCU students and graduates with opportunities at Apple and other tech companies.
- Internships: Providing internships for high-achieving students, allowing them to gain practical experience at Apple's headquarters.
- Exposure to Apple's Campus and Work Environment: Offering opportunities for students to visit Apple's campus and experience its innovative work environment firsthand.
- Faculty Innovation Grants: Funding faculty innovation grants focused on developing successful ways to accelerate HBCU students into the tech field.
Scholarship and Mentorship
Thirty successful undergraduate student recipients will be awarded sizable scholarships and receive year-long mentorships by Apple employees, including a paid internship at Apple headquarters next summer. This mentorship component is particularly valuable, as it provides students with guidance and support from experienced professionals in their field. The program aims to transform the lives of HBCU star students by not only removing the financial barriers to college attendance, but by providing them additional non-financial program elements like Apple mentors and summer internships.
Eligibility and Application
The Apple HBCU Scholars Program is open to outstanding students attending HBCUs with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are working towards a degree in an undergraduate, Masters, or Ph.D. The selection process assesses critical soft skills and technical ability.
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Eligibility Requirements:
- Business, Communications, Computer Science, Information Science/Technology, Mathematics, Public Relations and/or Engineering (electrical, mechanical, computer science, or materials science) major
- Enrolled full-time at a four-year accredited HBCU/PBI (Predominately Black Institution)
- Currently in the second-to-last year of study, graduating in May/June of 2017.
The Vision Behind the Program
“This program is about exposing gifted students from HBCU’s to a career in technology. We’re big believers that innovation will be strongest when talented people from diverse backgrounds are part of the creative process,” said Denise Young Smith, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Human Resources. Apple recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential for driving innovation and creating products that resonate with a global audience. By investing in HBCU students, Apple is helping to build a more inclusive and representative tech industry.
A Transformative Opportunity
“There are “scholarships” and then there are “scholarship programs,” said TMCF President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. “Apple has made an historic investment in a scholarship program that will transform the lives of HBCU star students by not only removing the financial barriers to college attendance, but by providing them additional non-financial program elements like Apple mentors and summer internships. The Apple HBCU Scholars Program is the first of several programs under the new Apple and TMCF Diversity Initiative.
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