California State University today announced that it will provide a 64GB iPad Air, Apple Pencil, and Smart Keyboard to 35,000 incoming students.
The move is part of a new CSUCCESS (California State University Connectivity Contributing to Equity and Student Success) program that is designed to provide equitable opportunities to students through the use of technology.
CSU will be providing the Apple equipment to all incoming first-year and transfer students at eight participating campuses in Fall 2021. Students will be required to register to participate.
“CSUCCESS will assure that students have immediate access to innovative, new mobile tools they need to support their learning, particularly when faced with the lingering effects of the pandemic,” said CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro. “The new initiative will establish a foundation for their achievement and has the potential to play a key role in eliminating stubborn equity gaps among our talented and diverse students. In addition to truly addressing equity and access, we see iPad Air as a powerful tool to prepare our students for their future careers.”
Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Education and Enterprise Marketing, said that Apple is “thrilled” about the iPad Air rollout at CSU campuses.
“At Apple, we believe that education is a powerful force for equity and opportunity, and that technology can empower all students to achieve their goals,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Education and Enterprise Marketing. “We’re thrilled that iPad Air and the incredible education apps in the App Store will be central to the experience at CSU campuses across California, and will play a part in the learning and career development of students from Humboldt to San Marcos.”
Students at the Bakersfield, Channel Islands, Fresno, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Maritime Academy, Northridge, and San Marcos CSU campuses will be participating in the first phase of the program.
