Drake State Community & Technical College is emphasizing the word “community” in new and wonderful ways.

Now, through a collaboration with Apple and Tennessee State University, the school will become a community center for Coding and Creativity. The designation is part of Apple’s Community Education Initiative and Tennessee State University’s HBCU C2 initiative designed to bring coding and creativity experiences to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their communities.

“This initiative fits perfectly with Drake State’s efforts to not only provide outstanding education for students but to be an educational asset and community partner in Madison County,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State. “With the resources this designation brings, we’re able to bring new career training to our community, which has robust job opportunities in this field.”

Faculty leaders from Drake State will participate in Apple’s ongoing Community Education Initiative Learning Series to learn about coding and app development. As part of that ongoing professional development, educators will explore innovative ways to engage with learners using Apple’s comprehensive curriculum, which utilizes its easy-to-learn Swift programming language.

”Apple is committed to working alongside communities of color to advance educational equity,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. “We see this expansion of our Community Education Initiative and partnership with HBCUs as another step toward helping black students realize their dreams and solve the problems of tomorrow.”

As part of its Community Education Initiative, Apple is supporting Drake State with equipment and professional development to help the college become the pre-eminent HBCU C2 community center to bring coding and creativity to Huntsville and Madison County.