The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the largest organization representing the Black college community, recently announced the inaugural class for the Apple Engineering & Innovation Scholars program.

TMCF said applicants were selected from engineering programs at America’s publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Scholars were nominated directly by their institutions. The program was made available to each of the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited and AMIE (Advancing Minorities in Engineering) affiliated engineering schools.

Apple’s Engineering & Innovation Program — part of the broader Apple Scholars program — is intended to help develop the next generation of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineers. The program also includes merit-based scholarship and professional development. Apple Engineering & Innovation Scholars will also have opportunities to secure internships and full-time employment after graduation.

This spring, forty-three students from fifteen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with ABET-accredited engineering programs were engaged in an immersive experience at Apple. The technology company offered technical learning opportunities and sessions led by Apple executives and industry leaders.

Made possible by a multi-year commitment from Apple to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the Apple Engineering & Innovation Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip the next generation of Black tech leaders through financial assistance, access to training, and professional development experiences, and real-world skill application.

“Our commitment to making the workforce truly reflective of the world around is grounded in diverse representation and inclusive access to opportunity for our next generation of leaders,” said Barbara Whye, Apple’s vice president of Inclusion & Diversity. “We’re excited to welcome this first group of extraordinary Engineering & Innovation scholars through our collaboration with TMCF and build on our work to empower HBCU students and their communities.”

“TMCF is proud to welcome the first class of the Apple Engineering and Innovation Program,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “The E&I Scholars are recognized as among the best in the country. With the support of Apple, we look forward to advancing and elevating the critical importance of science and automation in preparing tomorrow’s tech leaders.”