To mark Computer Science Education Week (December 7 – 13), Hampton University (HU) announced plans to become a community center for coding and creativity. According to the Virginia-based historically black college and university (HBCU), the new venture is part of Apple’s Community Education Initiative and Tennessee State University’s HBCU C2 initiative designed to bring coding and creativity experiences to HBCUs.

Current HBCU hubs include Morehouse College and Prairie View A&M University. Centers are based at HBCUs such as Norfolk State University, Tuskegee University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and the University of the District of Columbia. (See the full list of hubs and centers here)

“The Department of Computer Science at Hampton University is committed to bringing technology and specifically access to coding for all throughout Hampton Roads,” said Dr. Jean Muhammad, chair of the Department of Computer Science, in a statement. “It is a privilege to participate with Apple and Tennessee State’s HBCU C2 initiative to ensure students, within our community as well as internal to Hampton University across all disciplines. It is important that all students are prepared for the ever rising demand of technology through learning to code and create,”

According to Tennessee State University, the National Hub for training educators and preparing students, HBCU C2 promotes innovation, educational equity, and aims to address community challenges using app design and Apple’s Swift programming language.

As part of Hampton’s ongoing professional development, educators will explore ways to engage with learners using Apple’s curriculum, which utilizes its easy-to-learn Swift programming language.

Through the Community Education Initiative, Apple is supporting Hampton University with equipment and professional development to help the university become the pre-eminent HBCU C2 community center to bring coding and creativity to Hampton Roads.

“We continue to remain on the cutting edge of technology and workforce development, as they both are vital for the success of our future digital world and the economy,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.