Released: July 18, 2023
Partners for the fall launch include Santa Fe Public Schools, Santa Fe Indian School, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Fe/Del Norte, STEM Santa Fe, and SFCC Foundation
This fall, Santa Fe Community College will offer the Santa Fe region new learning opportunities around coding and creativity, with the support of Apple’s Community Education Initiative. Community partners include Santa Fe Public Schools, Santa Fe Indian School, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Fe/Del Norte, and STEM Santa Fe, which will work with the college and Santa Fe Community College Foundation to cultivate digital literacy, digital equity, and coding and creativity experience to Santa Fe’s diverse community.
SFCC President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., said, “Santa Fe Community College is thrilled Apple is supporting our work to offer training in coding and other creative digital skills to young people who have had limited access to such opportunities in the past.”
The initiative will reach youth in a variety of locations primarily in the Santa Fe Public Schools, Santa Fe Indian School, as well as at the Boys & Girls Club based at the Santa Fe Place Mall. STEM Santa Fe will assist with the initiative.
Christie Abeyta, Superintendent of Santa Fe Indian School said, “Our students who represent the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico and many other tribal nations are eager to acquire digital skills that will not only enrich their education but will also benefit their home communities and future workplaces. We are so excited to have this support from Apple to foster inclusive learning opportunities that enable students to discover, investigate, and build relationships through experiential, community-based, and service-learning projects that embody our school’s core values. These initiatives will serve as a digital gateway between our school, Native American rural communities, and other local communities, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration for the betterment of all in this digital age.”
Apple’s Community Education Initiative (CEI) brings coding, creativity, and career opportunities to communities that are traditionally underrepresented in technology. Through CEI, Apple provides Apple technology, and financial and educator support to schools, educational institutions, and community-based organizations. The work aligns with Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which in part aims to expand opportunities for communities of color through education.
Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez said, “Working with Apple’s Community Education Initiative is an excellent opportunity for SFPS to enhance the learning experiences of its students. By involving students at all levels in learning digital skills, SFPS is equipping them with valuable tools for the future. Engaging students in digital skills not only fosters their creativity but also builds their confidence in acquiring new abilities. In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital literacy is becoming increasingly essential across various industries. By providing students with the opportunity to develop these skills, SFPS is preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber said, “I’m grateful to Apple for this exciting investment in Santa Fe’s young people. With their support, our young people will get the skills they need to get high-paying, sustainable jobs in Santa Fe. The future is digital and now, with Apple’s support, Santa Fe’s young people will have a role in making it happen right here.”
For more information about SFCC’s role in this program, contact Dean of Continuing Education and Contract Training Kris Swedin via email at kris.swedin@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1253.
Santa Fe Community College celebrates its 40th Anniversary as the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs.
A “Best for Vets” and a “Military Friendly” school.
Visit sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1000.
Follow us: Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
