Last week, Santa Fe Community College President Becky Rowley issued a press release announcing Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) will offer coding and creativity learning opportunities through a collaboration with Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and Apple's Community Education Initiative for the fall curriculum. The initiative aims to foster digital literacy, digital equity, and coding experiences within Santa Fe's community, with participation from partners like Santa Fe Indian School, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Fe/Del Norte, and STEM Santa Fe.
"Santa Fe Community College is thrilled to have the support of Apple as we strive to provide coding training and other creative digital skills to young people who have previously had limited access to such opportunities," Santa Fe Community College President Becky Rowley said.
According to the press release issued on July 19, In the upcoming fall, Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) will provide coding and creativity learning opportunities in partnership with Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and Apple's Community Education Initiative. The collaboration aims to promote digital literacy, digital equity, and coding experiences within Santa Fe's community. The initiative will primarily target the youth of Santa Fe Public Schools and Santa Fe Indian School, as well as the Boys & Girls Club located at the Santa Fe Place Mall, with significant support from STEM Santa Fe according to a press release by SFPS.
"Our students, representing the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico and numerous other tribal nations, are eager to acquire digital skills that will enrich their education and benefit their communities and future workplaces. Apple's support in fostering inclusive learning opportunities enables students to explore, investigate, and forge connections through experiential, community-based, and service-learning projects, which embody our school's core values. These initiatives serve as a digital gateway between our school, Native American rural communities, and local communities, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration for the advancement of all in this digital age," Superintendent Christie Abeyta of Santa Fe Indian School said, according to a press release by SFPS.
Apple's Community Education Initiative (CEI) focuses on addressing the digital skills gap and expanding access to coding and creativity education. Through CEI, Apple collaborates with schools, colleges, and community organizations to provide students and educators with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in the technology industry. The initiative specifically targets underrepresented communities, aiming to create a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce for the future according to a press release by SFPS.
"Working alongside Apple's Community Education Initiative presents an excellent opportunity for SFPS to enrich the learning experiences of its students. By involving students at all levels in acquiring digital skills, SFPS equips them with valuable tools for the future. Engaging students in digital skills not only nurtures their creativity but also enhances their confidence in acquiring new abilities. In today's rapidly evolving world, digital literacy is increasingly essential across various industries. By providing students with opportunities to develop these skills, SFPS is preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow," Superintendent Hilario "Larry" Chavez of Santa Fe Public Schools said, according to a press release by SFPS.
"I'm truly grateful to Apple for their exciting investment in the youth of Santa Fe. With their support, our young individuals will acquire the skills necessary for high-paying, sustainable jobs within our city. The future is digital, and now, thanks to Apple's backing, Santa Fe's young people will actively contribute to shaping it right here," Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber said, according to a press release by SFPS.