It’s a relatively quiet initiative these days, all things considered, but Apple hasn’t given up on the education market. These days, it comes down to handing out a whole lot of devices to incoming students. That’s what’s happening with incoming learners at California State University this fall.
Today, CSU announced that it is teaming up with Apple as part of its California State University Connectivity Contributing to Equity and Student Success (CSUCCESS). The university believes this is a way for a more equitable learning experience at the school. In its first phase, the school will offer iPad Air units, a Smart Keyboard to go along with it, and the Apple Pencil to 35,000 incoming students this fall.
CSU is doing this at a total of eight campuses in total. The program will make this offer to all first-year and new transfer students, but only if they register to be part of the program. What’s more, the hardware will be available to these students throughout their undergraduate effort at CSU.
Per today’s announcement:
CSUCCESS will assure that students have immedi​ate access to innovative, new mobile tools they need to support their learning, particularly when faced with the lingering effects of the pandemic,’ said CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro. ‘The new initiative will establish a foundation for their achievement and has the potential to play a key role in eliminating stubborn equity gaps among our talented and diverse students. In addition to truly addressing equity and access, we see iPad Air as a powerful tool to prepare our students for their future careers.
Apple’s Vice President of Education and Enterprise Marketing, Susan Prescott, weighed in:
At Apple, we believe that education is a powerful force for equity and opportunity, and that technology can empower all students to achieve their goals. We’re thrilled that iPad Air and the incredible education apps in the App Store will be central to the experience at CSU campuses across California, and will play a part in the learning and career development of students from Humboldt to San Marcos.
Here are the campuses covered in the program:
- Bakersfield
- Channel Islands
- Fresno
- Humboldt
- Los Angeles
- Maritime Academy
- Northride
- San Marcos
This is another big push for Apple in this market. It’s obviously a major focus for the company, still to this day. And this is just one of a couple major announcements. Back in April, for instance, the University of Nevada, Reno, announced that it is handing out thousands of iPad Air units to incoming freshmen this year.