Salesforce has unveiled a significant investment in education, pledging $23 million in grants to prepare students for the evolving job market. This announcement, made ahead of the company's annual Dreamforce conference, brings Salesforce's total commitment to education to $150 million over the past 12 years.
The initiative comes at a crucial time when only 15% of workers report having the necessary education and training to use AI effectively. Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer at Salesforce, emphasised the importance of this investment, stating, "To succeed in today's workforce, people must build the skills to use technology effectively – and that starts in school."
Of the total grant, $13 million will be directed to middle schools and high schools across the United States, including districts in San Francisco, Oakland, New York City, Chicago, and Indianapolis. These funds will support programmes that increase STEM access, integrate real-world work experiences into the classroom, and introduce AI literacy.
The impact of Salesforce's previous investments is already evident. In San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), the number of female and underrepresented students of colour taking Computer Science classes has doubled over the last decade. Similarly, Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has seen increased demand for Computer Science coursework in high school, with 65% of computer science middle school enrollment being Black or LatinX students.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed praised the initiative, noting, "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."
The remaining $10 million will be granted to 14 nonprofits across the U.S., France, and Australia, with over $6 million specifically allocated to organisations focused on AI skilling and literacy. These investments aim to help students explore career opportunities, foster AI education, and address education inequities.
Alex Kotran, Co-Founder and CEO of aiEDU, one of the grant recipients, highlighted the importance of this support: "With Salesforce's support, we can advance AI literacy and readiness across the education system, ensuring every student has the opportunity to develop the enduring skills needed for success in an AI-driven future."
In addition to the company's commitment, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Salesforce's leadership, will personally donate $3 million in matching funds to DonorsChoose to support teachers and students in Hawai'i. This donation will help provide mental health resources for teachers, classroom supplies for students with disabilities, care and hunger supplies, and STEM education resources.
The Benioffs' contribution builds on their two-decade-long commitment to philanthropy in Hawai'i, which now totals more than $250 million.
Salesforce's $23 million investment in education, coupled with the Benioffs' personal donation, represents a significant step towards preparing the next generation for an AI-driven world. By focusing on STEM education, AI literacy, and career readiness, these initiatives aim to bridge the gap between current educational offerings and the rapidly evolving needs of the future job market. As AI continues to transform various industries, such investments in education will be crucial in ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is adequately prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.