Press Releases

Birmingham, Alabama – Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) announced that in support of President Obama’s ConnectED initiative, Apple has pledged grant funding to equip two schools in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District with cutting-edge technologies including devices, teacher professional development and content. Albert Turner Sr. Elementary School in Marion, Alabama and J.E. Hobbs Elementary School in Camden, Alabama will be receiving an iPad for every student, a Mac and iPad for every teacher and administrator, an Apple TV for every classroom, additional Apple software and an Apple support team to provide ongoing professional development and support.

“For too long schools across Alabama’s 7th Congressional District have suffered from inadequate access to the most basic resources, including advanced technologies in the classroom. A lack of equal access to technology has placed entire communities and states at a competitive disadvantage. Through the ConnectED initiative, President Obama has laid out a vision for reversing these trends by equipping America’s students and teachers with access to next-generation connectivity, as a foundation for transformation in the classroom and ultimately, in our communities. I am proud that through Apple’s support of that vision, Albert Turner Sr. Elementary School and J.E. Hobbs Elementary School are receiving transformational technologies for their students, teachers and classrooms. The support provided through this funding will provide every teacher with the products and support they need to inspire and motivate their students and empower every student with the learning tools and opportunities they need to realize and achieve their full potential. I am confident that these investments will transform outcomes for children and families in Perry and Wilcox Counties,” said Rep. Sewell.

“Albert Turner Sr. Elementary School is a proud recipient of an Apple grant through the White House ConnectEd initiative. By giving students access to the latest technology and powerful learning tools, we are working to transform the classroom into a place of deeper exploration and creativity. Together, we can unlock the potential of the world's future investors, dreamers and leaders,” said Marshae Madison-Pelt, the Principal of Albert Turner Sr. Elementary School.  

“We are elated to be a recipient of the ConnectED Apple Grant. Receiving this grant is huge for our teachers, students, and the community of Wilcox County. It will provide the technology and resources needed to improve instruction and student learning. In addition, it gives us the support we need to effectively implement Dr. Bice’s PLAN 2020, which is aimed at preparing our students for college or a career,” said Roshanda Jackson, the principal of J.E. Hobbs Elementary School.

“Principals Madison-Pelt and Jackson, along with their faculty, staff, and students are beyond deserving of these grants. I look forward to seeing the untapped potential that will be revealed as a result of the installation of this historic initiative in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District,” concluded Rep. Sewell.

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Background on President Obama’s ConnectED Initiative can be found here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/k-12/connected

Background on Apple’s commitment to ConnectED can be found here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/k-12/connected