This fall, Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) will be at the forefront of new learning opportunities in coding and creativity, thanks to an exciting collaboration between Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and Apple's Community Education Initiative. In conjunction with esteemed community partners including Santa Fe Indian School, Boys & Girls Club of Santa Fe/Del Norte, and STEM Santa Fe, SFCC and the Santa Fe Community College Foundation aim to foster digital literacy, digital equity, and cultivate coding and creativity experiences within Santa Fe's diverse community.
Beaming with enthusiasm, SFCC President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., expresses her delight: "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."
The initiative will extend its reach primarily to 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. Assisting in this endeavor, STEM Santa Fe will play a vital role.
Superintendent Christie Abeyta of Santa Fe Indian School highlights the significance of this partnership: "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."
Apple's Community Education Initiative (CEI) is dedicated to providing coding, creativity, and career prospects to communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in the field of technology. Through CEI, Apple supplies cutting-edge technology, financial support, and educator resources to schools, educational institutions, and community-based organizations. This effort aligns with Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which seeks to expand educational opportunities for communities of color.
Superintendent Hilario "Larry" Chavez of Santa Fe Public Schools emphasizes the tremendous impact of collaborating with Apple's Community Education Initiative: "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."
Acknowledging the investment made by Apple in Santa Fe's young people, Mayor Alan Webber shares his gratitude: "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."
For additional information regarding SFCC's role in this groundbreaking program, please contact Kris Swedin, Dean of Continuing Education and Contract Training, via email at kris.swedin@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1253.