Salesforce pledges $23 million to AI in STEM education

Salesforce has committed $23 million in grant funding to help educate students in AI and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

“To succeed in today’s workforce, people must build the skills to use technology effectively – and that starts in school,” said Salesforce EVP and Chief Impact Officer Suzanne DiBianca. 

“Together with our partners, Salesforce is helping give schools the tools they need to keep up with the pace of innovation and prepare students for an AI future to make sure that no one is left behind.”

The funds will be split between US school districts and non-profit education organisations around the globe. $13 million will be directed to middle and high schools, including public schools based in San Francisco, Oakland, New York City, Chicago and Indianapolis.  

“Emerging technologies like AI will continue to impact our schools, workplaces and society,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. 

“Not only is San Francisco the AI capital of the world, we are a city that has long been committed to education and career development. I’m grateful for Salesforce’s pursuit of equality through technology access and helping students and teachers be prepared for the AI future.”

Salesforce’s wider pledges to STEM education

The other $10 million will be divided among 14 non-profits in the US, France and Australia, with more than $6 million allocated to nonprofits focused specifically on AI skilling and literacy. 

These organisations include Australia’s Aurora Education Foundation which supports First Nation students from high school to getting their PhDs, Forum des images from France, and US organisations like Fast Forward, Code The Dream, and Re:Coded.  

This latest funding pledge puts Salesforce’s commitment to $150 million in grants to schools across the US. 

The philanthropic work by Salesforce is funded by a combination of corporate giving and donations from the Salesforce Foundation.

Additionally, Marc and Lynne Benioff will donate $3 million to DonorsChose to support public education in Hawai’i. To date, the Benioffs have donated more than $250 million over the last two decades to Hawai’i. 

According to Salesforce, the funding by the philanthropic couple will help provide mental health resources for teachers, classroom supply needs for students with disabilities, care and hunger supplies, and STEM education resources. 

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