Like other large tech companies that have a Chicago presence, Salesforce is investing in STEM programs at local schools and organizations.
Salesforce.org, the tech company’s philanthropic arm, announced that it is giving $1 million in two grants to Chicago Public Schools and i.c.stars, a local workforce development organization focused on diversity.
The San Francisco-based company, which employs about 1,100 people at its Chicago office, donated $750,000 to CPS for principal development programs and an early college STEM program at Solorio High School in the Gage Park neighborhood on the Southwest side.
The partnership with Solorio High School began last year, and this year, more than 200 Solorio juniors and seniors have taken college-level courses. As a result of the investments, Salesforce said every Solorio student has access to a computer, three laser cutters and a 3D printer.
The other $250,000 was given to i.c.stars to help the organization improve its recruitment processes, technical infrastructure, student outreach and expand its training program.
Salesforce says the two new grants bring Salesforce’s investment in Chicago to more than $2.5 million. Salesforce.org has donated $1.5 million to other organizations serving youth in Chicago, including Year Up, Bottom Line, OneGoal, Chicago Community Foundation, Braven and Genesys Works.
Similarly, Apple and Google have both made contributions to Chicago's youth through funding STEM and computer science programs. Last year, Apple launched coding programs in CPS for both students and teachers. And in 2017, Google gave $1.5 million to CPS and Chance the Rapper’s foundation to help local students gain better access to computer science education.
The latest community investments from Salesforce come as the company is planning to nearly double its workforce in Chicago. Late last year, Salesforce announced plans to add 1,000 new jobs in Chicago over the next five years and move into a new 57-story tower on the riverfront, dubbed Salesforce Tower Chicago. The tower, which will sit on Wolf Point, is expected to be completed in 2023.
