Apple And Other Companies To Donate Free Hardware And Services To Schools

With the US Government launching its ConnectED initiative, which will help get US classrooms into the internet era, several major companies have joined The White House to give them a helping hand. Apple alone plans to donate a whopping $100 million in iPads, MacBooks and software to underprivileged schools.

Autodesk and O’Reilly Media will also be giving away free content and software, while Microsoft will heavily discount Windows to lower the prices of educational computers. Mobile networks will be lending a hand too, AT&T and Sprint will be offering free wireless and broadband for several years, and while Verizon aren’t giving away free services, they’ll still be donating $100 million in cash to other needs for these schools.

There are many issues that need fixing in schools all around the world, not just America, and these free or discount services, as well as donations, aren’t going to solve problems, but they’ll certainly ease the burden on the system and a lot of good can come out of it in time. Either way, it’s great that these companies are willing to help a new generation, but only time will tell us how effective the scheme has been.

Thank you Engadget for providing us with this information.