Steve Jobs would be pleased.
It has been quite a good week for Apple considering that they launched their new smart watch and the company has also agreed to donate over $40 million to organizations that are working to support minorities in the tech industry.
Apple’s HR chief, Denise Young Smith, announced that the company will partner with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a non-profit organization for students who attend historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The company plans to donate more than $40 million to the organization. The funds will be used to create a database of computer science majors as well as train faculty and students. Apple also plans to start a paid internship for top students at the schools. HBCUs have a reputation of being underfunded, so Apple’s donation should make a significant impact.
Schools included in the partnership are North Carolina A&T State University, Howard University and Grambling State University.
There was recently a shareholder meeting at Apple where Rev. Jesse Jackson was present. He praised the company for heading in the right direction with a focus on diversity.
Apple also hopes to help women’s organizations as well such as the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT).
Hopefully things continue looking up for minorities in the tech industry.
