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

Graphic JCSU Ranked 12th most popular in NC according to Research.com
Johnson C. Smith University has been named the number 12 most popular college in North Carolina, according to the latest ranking from Research.com. The list highlights institutions that continue to capture strong interest from prospective students based on search volume, visibility and overall public engagement.
View Content
Choir singing at the Vespers Program 2025
The Johnson C. Smith University Concert Choir held its 2025 Vespers Concert, “The Gift,”on the evening of November 23, 2025, inside the historic Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. The festive affair showcased the vocal mastery, musicality, and breathtaking range of the choir and ensemble groups under the direction of Dr. Angela Brooks, Director of Choral Activities. Musical accompaniment was provided with warmth and dimension by Mr. Frank Williams and Mr. Frank McGinnis.
View Content
Rick Webb, President of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors, and Robert “Boo” Johnson, JCSU legend, 1969 CIAA champion, and proud member of the 100 Club.
On a bright afternoon at Johnson C. Smith University, history met history as the man at the helm of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame visited campus to connect with a Golden Bulls legend. At the center of the visit were two men whose lives and legacies embody the pride of North Carolina athletics: Rick Webb, President of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors, and Robert “Boo” Johnson, JCSU legend, 1969 CIAA champion, and proud member of the 100 Club.
View Content
Back To Top