Apple is partnering with Dream Corps to help men and women from “underrepresented backgrounds [to] find success in the tech sector.”
The Oakland, California-based nonprofit is behind the initiative #YesWeCode. This project aims to increase opportunities in tech companies. With Apple’s support, it’s now got a tech giant in its corner.
“We are thrilled about launching this new initiative in Oakland,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s VP of environment, policy and social initiatives, in a statement. “Our hope is that by bringing expertise, stakeholders and resources together, we’ll be able to magnify the already impressive impact that Dream Corps is having in the Bay Area and across the nation and help a new generation of young people realize their potential.”
As part of the initiative, Apple is providing support, advocacy and curriculum guidance. The project covers a wide range of people, from middle and high school through college and beyond. Like many of Apple’s other education efforts involving coding, the company’s own Swift programming language is emphasized.
The partnership will launch later in 2019 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dream Corps is also working with the city of Oakland to identify possible locations for a dedicated space to house the partnership.
“I see Dream Corps as a peace corps for the American dream,” said Vien Truong, founder of Dream Corps. “It’s about making sure that we can help support people who lived or grew up in communities like mine. And this partnership with Apple will help unlock the untapped genius and talent within those communities, which will allow a new generation to achieve their dreams.”
Apple and the importance of diversity in coding
This is just the latest example of Apple promoting the importance of coding. Following the launch of Swift in 2014, Apple introduced its “Everyone Can Code” initiative. This provides a syllabus for people learning the coding language. Originally launched in the United States, Apple’s “Everyone Can Code” has since expanded overseas.
Under CEO Tim Cook, Apple has worked hard to promote racial and gender diversity in its workforce. Speaking at the end of last year, Cook said the tech industry has “missed” doing enough in this area.
