Raleigh, NC–Today, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week, Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) announced it will become a community center for Coding and Creativity as part of Apple’s Community Education Initiative and Tennessee State University’s HBCU C2 initiative designed to bring coding and creativity experiences to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their communities.

Dr. Maria Lumpkin, SAU Interim President said, “We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Apple. As a liberal arts institution, Saint Augustine’s University prepares students for leadership in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world. We believe all students should be equipped with the technology skills required to meet industry workforce demands. Industry anticipates a significant gap in this area. Saint Augustine’s University is committed to producing graduates prepared to meet this demand.” Faculty leaders from SAU will participate in Apple’s ongoing Community Education Initiative Learning Series to learn about coding and app development. As part of that ongoing professional development, educators will explore innovative ways to engage with learners using Apple’s comprehensive curriculum, which utilizes its easy-to-learn Swift programming language.

Dr. Mark Melton, Dean of the School of Science, Math, and Public Health and the lead project director for this initiative said, “This initiative has the capacity to impact future employment opportunities for students while expanding the skillsets of our faculty and staff. As importantly, we are excited about the potential impact on our entire community. To offer coding training to community members allows Saint Augustine’s University to expand its engagement with and impact on the community.”

As part of its Community Education Initiative, Apple is supporting SAU with equipment and professional development to help the university become the pre-eminent HBCU C2 community center to bring coding and creativity to Raleigh and the Greater Triangle area.