In June 2013, the White House announced ConnectED, an initiative designed to enrich K-12 education for students by providing them with the best technology available across the mobile landscape.
The paramount goal of the program, government officials said, was to eventually help provide 99% of students with next-generation connectivity within five years.
ConnedED proposes that mobile devices and connected technologies can provide “a foundation for a transformation in the classroom.”
To assist the White House in this effort, Apple is making what can only be considered a massive mobile commitment.
“In an unprecedented commitment for the company,” the White House announced Tuesday, “Apple has pledged $100 million in iPads, MacBooks, and other products along with content and professional development to enrich learning in disadvantaged schools, including interactive learning tools and ongoing support that can have a profound impact for students and teachers in the communities that need it most.”
Other companies making substantial contributions to ConnectED include Microsoft, AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint.
“These commitments will help deliver the ConnectED vision more quickly to more classrooms around the country — particularly those serving low-income students,” a statement from the White House reads. “They will also help make the most of the government and investment in broadband infrastructure by ensuring it is put to the best educational use.”