Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Apple Reveals $100 Million Plan to Combat Racism The initiative aims to dismantle "systemic barriers" to opportunity and fight injustice.

By Michaelle Jones

This story originally appeared on ValueWalk

Pixabay via Value Walk

Apple has launched a new initiative to battle racism and push forward "racial equity" across the U.S. In a press release, the company revealed several new projects that will be part of its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.

The $100 million initiative aims to dismantle "systemic barriers" to opportunity and fighting injustices faced by communities of color. One of the projects is the Propel Center, which Apple describes as a "first-of-its-kind global innovation and learning hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)."

The initiative also includes an Apple Developer Academy to support tech and coding education for Detroit students. Apple's projects to battle racism also include venture capital funding for brown and black entrepreneurs. The company said its commitments will "expand opportunities for communities of color across the country and help build the next generation of diverse leaders."

Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company is launching its initiatives with partners from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. It is working with students, teachers, developers, entrepreneurs, community organizers, and justice advocates. Apple is empowering communities that have faced alleged racism for a long time.

"We are honored to help bring this vision to bear, and to match our words and actions to the values of equity and inclusion we have always prized at Apple," Cook said in a statement.

Related: 20 Defining Moments in the Life of Steve Jobs

More details on the projects

Apple will set up a physical campus for the Propel Center in Atlanta, and it will also have a "state-of-the-art virtual community." The company also plans to establish a pair of grants for engineering programs at HBCUs and expand the Apple Scholars program by providing 100 scholarships for students from underrepresented parts of the country.

Apple is partnering with Michigan State University for the first-of-its-kind Apple Developer Academy, which will teach the skills black entrepreneurs need to know to push forward the app economy. Lisa Jackson, vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, is leading Apple's fight against racism. As part of the initiative, the company will also invest $10 million into Harlem Capital and $25 million in the Clear Vision impact Fund.

Cook originally announced the Racial Equity and Justice Initiative last year after the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. The latest set of projects expands Apple's commitment to fighting alleged racism.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Starting a Business

How to Find the Right Programmers: A Brief Guideline for Startup Founders

For startup founders under a plethora of challenges like timing, investors and changing market demand, it is extremely hard to hire programmers who can deliver.

Starting a Business

I Wish I Knew These Four Things Before Starting My Own Business

Starting a business is hard work to say the least. These are four lessons I wish someone had shared with me before going solo, so I'm here to share them with you.

Growing a Business

This CEO Says Prioritizing Purpose Over Profit Is Key to Consistent Growth and Sustainable Profit — Here's Why.

It's time you ask yourself as a leader if the business you are running is focused only on monetary gains or fulfills a larger purpose. This CEO explains the benefits of building a purpose-focused business that leads you toward consistent and sustainable profit.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business Models

How to Become an AI-Centric Business (and Why It's Crucial for Long-Term Success)

Learn the essential steps to integrate AI at the core of your operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.