Title: Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative Surpasses $200M in Investments, Doubling Its Initial Commitment
Cupertino, California – In a press release on June 14, 2023, Apple proudly announced that its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) has exceeded $200 million in investments over the past three years. The initiative aims to promote equity and create opportunities for Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Indigenous communities. Since its launch in June 2020, REJI has expanded its reach to Australia, the U.K., and Mexico, extending its impact beyond the United States.
Apple’s REJI was launched at a crucial moment in the United States, coinciding with widespread protests against racial injustice. The initiative builds upon the company’s previous efforts to address inequality and provide better access to opportunities for underserved groups. Through deep engagements in schools and communities, REJI strives to accelerate progress towards racial equity.
As part of its focus on education, Apple has reached over 160,000 learners through in-person courses and out-of-school programs. Furthermore, the company has committed more than $50 million to support science, technology, engineering, arts, and math opportunities in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
To promote economic empowerment, REJI provides funds to financial institutions, including venture capital firms, Community Development Financial Institutions, and Minority Depository Institutions. These funds support Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses, addressing systemic barriers to funding access.
REJI’s criminal justice reform grants have provided essential support to more than 19,000 justice-impacted individuals, including legal services, safe housing, identification services, and healthcare access.
To expand its work further, Apple has announced a strategic partnership with the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBKA), a program of the Obama Foundation. This collaboration aims to close opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color by providing training for community leaders and MBKA staff, expanding programming, and supporting targeted community impact microgrants. The program aspires to train over 500 leaders and engage more than 50,000 youth across the United States.
Apple has also increased its investments in minority-owned businesses by committing an additional $25 million to venture capital funds Collab Capital, Harlem Capital, and VamosVentures. With this investment, Apple’s total venture capital support for such businesses amounts to $50 million, while overall financing for diverse businesses and financial institutions exceeds $100 million.
REJI’s impact is not limited to the United States; the initiative has expanded to other countries as well. In New Zealand, Apple has partnered with Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology to equip educators with the necessary skills to prepare underrepresented Māori and Pasifika students for careers in the technology sector. In Australia, REJI’s grants have supported initiatives and nonprofits serving Indigenous communities, including the Women Rangers program working on land management and leadership activities.
Apple’s REJI Impact Overview, released alongside the press release, provides a comprehensive snapshot of the initiative’s progress. The company remains committed to identifying new partners and avenues to advance its mission of promoting equity and justice.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, emphasized the urgency of the work and the company’s dedication to collaboration and a better future for all. Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, reiterated the company’s commitment to achieving equitable opportunities for marginalized communities.
Apple’s investments and partnerships through the REJI showcase the company’s ongoing efforts to combat racial inequality, foster economic empowerment, and support criminal justice reform both within the United States and globally.
