Salesforce, the leading AI-powered CRM company, has announced a significant investment in education just ahead of its annual Dreamforce conference. The company will allocate $23 million in new grants to school districts in the United States and global non-profit educational organizations. The goal is to equip students with the skills needed for future success in an increasingly AI-dominated world.
A Long-Term Commitment to Education
This new investment raises Salesforce’s 12-year commitment to education to a total of $150 million in grants to schools across the country. Additionally, Salesforce founders Marc and Lynne Benioff will donate an additional $3 million to DonorsChoose to support public education in Hawaii, adding to two decades of philanthropic donations in the state.
Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future
Salesforce’s investment comes at a critical time. While AI is transforming how we work, only 15% of workers say they have the education and training needed to effectively use AI. The funds will provide students with professional preparation opportunities and help them learn new skills, such as AI and STEM, to prepare for the future.
Suzanne DiBianca, Salesforce’s Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, stated, “To succeed in today’s workforce, people must develop the skills to use technology effectively, and that starts in school. Along with our partners, Salesforce is helping to give schools the tools they need to keep pace with innovation and prepare students for an AI-driven future, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Distribution of Funds
The company will direct $13 million of this year’s grants to middle and high schools across the country, including school districts in San Francisco, Oakland, New York, Chicago, and Indianapolis. The grants will support programs that increase access to STEM, bring real-world work experiences into the classroom, and introduce AI literacy.
Another $10 million will be allocated to 14 non-profit organizations in the United States, France, and Australia, with over $6 million specifically assigned to organizations focused on AI skills and literacy.
Impact on Communities
Salesforce’s investment is already showing tangible results. In the San Francisco Unified School District, the number of women and underrepresented minorities taking Computer Science classes has doubled in the last decade. In Oakland, educators have reported an increased demand for Computer Science courses in high school as a result of programming in middle school.
Commitment to Hawaii
Marc and Lynne Benioff will donate $3 million in matching funds to DonorsChoose to support teachers and students in Hawaii. This funding will help provide mental health resources for teachers, classroom supply needs for students with disabilities, care and feeding supplies, and STEM educational resources.
Salesforce’s investment in education represents a significant step towards preparing the next generation for an increasingly AI-driven world, ensuring that students from all communities have access to the skills and resources needed to succeed in the future.