Apple Partners With South Carolina to Build Eight Open Access Mac Computer Labs

[MacRumors]

In partnership with South Carolina's governor and the local community, Apple will be taking part in a $6 million investment to build eight open access Mac computer labs across the state.

Governor Henry McMaster announced the education initiative at a press conference on Tuesday, saying that the expanded access to broadband and computers will "bolster South Carolina's premier workforce training efforts by giving our communities and people access to resources they need to expand participation in our state's growing economy."

Building on previously announced projects, Apple will work with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), the South Carolina Technical College System, and the local community directly to strategically build the new labs in places accessible to as many people as possible.

Susan Prescott, Apple's VP of worldwide developer relations and enterprise, says that Apple is a firm believer in education and that equal access to technology is a great equalizer for communities.

"At Apple, we believe education is the great equalizer, and that access to technology is key to learning and workforce opportunities today. We are proud that Apple products and curriculum have been selected by the University of South Carolina and Benedict College for their new education labs. Together, we aim to ensure all South Carolinians have the opportunity to learn, code, create, and grow in new ways."

Specifics on what Macs will be included in the labs are unknown; however, it will be open for use by staff, students, and community members regularly at no cost.

Article Link: Apple Partners With South Carolina to Build Eight Open Access Mac Computer Labs

 

[Jony Ive and Co.]

Better be maxed out Mac Pros - the ones with 1.5TB RAM and costs $51,000. Plus pair them with dozens of Pro Display XDR. Thanks in advance Apple

 

[DanGoh]

I’m sorry but do they not have Libraries in South Carolina???

 

[reyesmac]

I’m sorry but do they not have Libraries in South Carolina???

This is the library of the 21st century. It’s also how apple advertises their products to people who will grow up to one day need their own computers. This is like how they got kids used to using apple products in school so they could purchase them in adulthood. It’s more marketing than charity.

 

[swingerofbirch]

Sounds kind of like an Internet cafe (I guess?), which you don't really hear about anymore. A little confusing what this will do. People need help paying for broadband more than computers IMO.

 

[Captain Trips]

I haven't lived in South Carolina since 1996, but here in the Central Ohio area it seems to be common to provide computers in libraries for public access to people who don't have a computer or internet access from home, or find it more convenient (too many people at home or lot of distraction) to use a computer at a library.

Yes, it would be nice to expand broadband access to homes that don't have it, but that doesn't reduce the value of having publicly / freely accessible computers. One doesn't prevent the other from happening.

 

[BF1M]

Hard to believe but Internet cafes were still a thriving business in some areas pre-Covid. Especially those with high Hispanic populations.

 

[BGPL]

Wonder what they'll use for anti-malware and censorship?

 

[citysnaps]

Excellent news!

 

[sw1tcher]

Yes, it would be nice to expand broadband access to homes that don't have it, but that doesn't reduce the value of having publicly / freely accessible computers. One doesn't prevent the other from happening.

... unless you're AT&T

AT&T lobbies against nationwide fiber, says 10Mbps uploads are good enough

AT&T admits fiber is most “future-proof” but wants US to fund slower networks.

arstechnica.com

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

I’m sorry but do they not have Libraries in South Carolina???

They have libraries.

 

[YaBhoyB]

I’m sorry but do they not have Libraries in South Carolina???

Yes, we do.

 

[javanate]

It’s more marketing than charity.

It's also good if you're on a college campus, and need a Mac, to have something available. Some colleges don't bother buying any, or they are in a secure building for design students or something.

 

[thefourthpope]

Sounds like a great program to expand the generally lower-quality computers made available to the general public (e.g., at libraries). For some in the area this could be the chance to work with new higher-end tech that opens a new opportunity.