Written by Tiara Alexander, senior communications major

On December 8, 2020, Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) became a Coding and Creativity (C2) community center as part of its collaboration with Apple’s Community Education initiative and Tennessee State University (TSU)’s HBCU C2 Initiative. The purpose of the HBCU C2 Initiative is to bring coding and creativity experiences to historically black colleges and universities. In addition, HBCU C2 promotes educational equity and addresses community challenges using app design and Apple’s Swift programming language.

SAU student Destini Vance was selected to be a part of the inaugural HBCU C2 App Development team. Vance, a senior majoring in film, was one out of only seven students chosen nationally to participate out of numerous applicants. She also serves as SAU’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) president.

“I received a recommendation from Ms. April McCoy to apply in the spring semester,” said Vance. “When I found out the news, I was excited to apply because this was something new for me. I then went through a rigorous interview process with TSU to see if I qualified and met the standards. Once considered, I made sure I did everything I needed to do so that I could be a standout candidate.”

Destini will be creating a walking tour app for the North Nashville, Tennessee area in conjunction with the other members of the team.

“I was beyond excited when I received the email notifying me of my acceptance into the Apple HBCU C2 program,” said Vance. “This is a full-circle moment for my family and me as my great grandmother attended TSU, and that’s where my HBCU legacy started.

“The program will last a full academic year.

“While gaining information and learning new things, I would love to go to the local elementary and middle schools and teach students about coding,” said Vance. “Especially to little black girls and boys and show them that you don’t have to be a big-time superstar to be successful. This program is bigger than just me. It will bring new light to our computer information systems (CIS) majors and the campus. This program will open new doors for our university and our community. I am so proud to be representing SAU in this program, and I can’t wait to show what it means to be a Mighty Falcon!”

For more information about the HBCU C2 Initiative, click here.