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US President Barack Obama recently announced $750 million in corporate commitments to get students in the public school system wired into the future through a new technology program called the “ConnectED” initiative. Apple is doing their part for the program by pledging $100 million in iPad devices, computers, and other tools.
According to an article from the Associated Press, in addition to Apple’s donation to the cause, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and Microsoft are on board.
“Apple is pledging $100 million in iPads, computers and other tools. AT&T and Sprint are contributing free Internet service through their wireless networks. Verizon is pitching in up to $100 million in cash and in-kind contributions. And Microsoft is making Windows available at discounted prices and offering 12 million free copies of Microsoft Office software.”
Last summer, the President announced a five-year plan to get 99 percent of students “wired at high speed. At the time, Obama noted that only 1 in 5 American students had access to high speed Internet, compared with 100 percent of students in places like South Korea.
The President mentioned Apple, among other tech companies in his recent State of the Union address. Obama announced that, with the support of the FCC and private sector companies, the program has a “down payment” to connect more than 15,000 schools and 20,000 students over the next two years.
The Loop’s Jim Dalrymple reported on a statement received by Apple at that time.
“We are proud to join President Obama in this historic initiative to transform America’s schools,” Apple said in the statement. “Apple has a long history in education, and we have pledged to contribute MacBooks, iPads, software and our expertise to support the ConnectED project. We look forward to announcing more details with the White House soon.”
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