Johnson C. Smith University Becomes Community Center for Coding and Creativity, in Collaboration with Apple and Tennessee State University

Charlotte, N.C. / December 11, 2020 - Today, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week, Johnson C. Smith University announced it will become a community center for Coding and Creativity as part of Apple’s Community Education Initiative and Tennessee State University’s HBCU C2 initiative designed to bring coding and creativity experiences to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their communities.

“We are grateful to Apple for this collaboration which will provide essential workforce development to the students of Johnson C. Smith University,” said President Clarence D. Armbrister. “The partnership will not only advance the coding industry by diversifying the future talent pool of tech candidates, but it will also allow the university to serve as a coding hub to the Charlotte community. We are excited to help lead the way for change in the tech industry.”

Faculty leaders from Johnson C. Smith University will participate in Apple’s ongoing Community Education Initiative Learning Series to learn about coding and app development. As part of that ongoing professional development, educators will explore innovative ways to engage with learners using Apple’s comprehensive curriculum, which utilizes its easy-to-learn Swift programming language.

As part of its Community Education Initiative, Apple is supporting Johnson C. Smith University with equipment and professional development to help the university become the pre-eminent HBCU C2 community center to bring coding and creativity to Charlotte.

Related Articles

President Kinloch processes up the aisle with SGA President Islaea Anderson
An important moment of initiation begins with an auspicious sound: the African drums with infectious rhythm, the click-clack of heels all in a row calling across the landscape. The Johnson C. Smith University Class of 2030 began its march to the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. Freshman Convocation 2026 would soon begin, a formal start to the students’ JCSU journey.
View Content
Students on the field at Panthers' Stadium
Eight Johnson C. Smith University scholars participated in the President's Student Cohort for the Sports, Entertainment, & Business Experience (SEBE) Foundation. This group of vibrant JCSU scholars represented the College of Business and Professional Studies, namely its Department of Health and Human Performance's Sport Management program and the Department of Business Administration's Business Administration program.
View Content
Conference Participants at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
Dr. Cindy J. Kistenberg, Professor of Theatre and Communication, participated in the 2026 August Summit for Black Pastors and Rabbis, held August 24–26 in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of her ongoing work with the Charlotte Black/Jewish Alliance and Spill the Honey. Dr. Kistenberg also served as the official photographer for the event.
View Content
Back To Top