BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Ed Farm, a groundbreaking education program supported by Apple to prepare students and communities for jobs of the future, was launched today in Birmingham.
Apple CEO Tim Cook – a native of Alabama and a graduate of Auburn University – was on hand at Ed Farm’s Birmingham headquarters to announce the initiative, which aims to inspire children and adults to explore technology, learn to code and pursue STEM careers.
“Education is in Apple’s DNA, and Alabama is in mine,” Cook said during the announcement.
Ed Farm – short for Education Farm – will equip educators in schools and communities with innovative tools and strategies that support active learning for all students. It will provide opportunities for students of all ages to learn to code using Swift, Apple’s easy-to-learn coding language.
Apple is providing Ed Farm with hardware, software, funding and professional learning support. The company has granted Birmingham City Schools more than 400 new devices being used in classrooms today.
“As our society continues to evolve and advance, more and more job opportunities of the future will require digital skills, and helping our communities prepare for that is our priority,” said Chris McCauley, Ed Farm program director.
TechAlabama is hosting the Ed Farm program, which is supported by the City of Birmingham, Birmingham City Schools and corporate partners including Alabama Power.
Coding lets students of all ages breathe life into new ideas, solve problems and prepare for the jobs of the future. Honored to join Birmingham’s students, teachers and visionary leaders in opening Ed Farm — a new education hub where students can connect, learn and create! pic.twitter.com/4tbnuwzI9K
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 27, 2020
