On Monday, the California State University (CSU) announced a new initiative that will see up to 35,000 first-year and new transfer students receive an iPad Air, Apple Pencil, and Apple Smart Keyboard Folio.

The initiative, dubbed CSUCCESS (California State University Connectivity Contributing to Equity and Student Success), aims to create more equitable opportunities for CSU students across eight campuses. The students will be provided with the iPad Air for their entire undergraduate experience.

“CSUCCESS will assure that students have immediate access to innovative, new mobile tools they need to support their learning, particularly when faced with the lingering effects of the pandemic,” said CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro. “The new initiative will establish a foundation for their achievement and has the potential to play a key role in eliminating stubborn equity gaps among our talented and diverse students. In addition to truly addressing equity and access, we see iPad Air as a powerful tool to prepare our students for their future careers.”

While the CSU said they plan to offer classes in person beginning this fall, some classes will still have to be virtual because of COVID-19. Having an iPad Air will allow the students to be prepared for those learning environments as well.

“At Apple, we believe that education is a powerful force for equity and opportunity, and that technology can empower all students to achieve their goals,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Education and Enterprise Marketing. “We’re thrilled that iPad Air and the incredible education apps in the App Store will be central to the experience at CSU campuses across California, and will play a part in the learning and career development of students from Humboldt to San Marcos.”