Salesforce Gives $23M to Education to Help the AI Generation Unlock Critical Skills

Rhea-AI Summary

Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) has announced $23 million in new grants to U.S. school districts and global education nonprofits, aimed at equipping students with skills for future success, particularly in AI and STEM. This brings Salesforce's 12-year commitment to education to $150 million. Additionally, Marc and Lynne Benioff will donate $3 million to DonorsChoose for public education in Hawai'i.

The funding includes $13 million for middle and high schools across the U.S., and $10 million to 14 nonprofits globally, with over $6 million focused on AI skilling and literacy. This initiative addresses the gap in AI education, as only 15% of workers feel adequately trained to use AI effectively.

Positive

• Salesforce's total commitment to education has reached $150 million in grants
• $23 million in new grants to support AI and STEM education
• Over $6 million allocated specifically for AI skilling and literacy
• Partnerships with multiple school districts and nonprofits to widen access to AI training
• Increased STEM access and real-world work experiences in classrooms

Negative

• None.

Insights

Corporate Social Responsibility Expert

Salesforce's $23M grant for education, focusing on AI and STEM skills, demonstrates a significant commitment to addressing the AI skills gap. This initiative aligns with growing concerns about workforce readiness in the AI era, where only 15% of workers feel adequately prepared. The company's 12-year, $150M investment in education showcases long-term dedication to social impact.

The grants' distribution across multiple U.S. cities and to global nonprofits indicates a broad-reaching strategy to enhance AI literacy and career readiness. Notably, $6M specifically targets AI education, signaling Salesforce's recognition of AI's critical role in future job markets. This proactive approach to preparing the next generation for an AI-driven economy could potentially yield positive PR and strengthen Salesforce's position as a socially responsible tech leader.

Education Technology Analyst

Salesforce's educational grants represent a strategic investment in future talent pipelines. By focusing on AI and STEM education in middle and high schools, the company is cultivating a tech-savvy workforce that could benefit not just Salesforce, but the entire tech industry. The emphasis on increasing diversity in tech education, as evidenced by the doubling of female and underrepresented students in Computer Science classes in San Francisco, is particularly noteworthy.

The integration of AI literacy into school curricula is a forward-thinking move that could accelerate AI adoption and innovation. Supporting nonprofits developing AI-powered educational tools, such as Teacher Agents and Advisor Agents, demonstrates Salesforce's commitment to leveraging AI to enhance educational efficiency and personalization. This multifaceted approach to education technology could position Salesforce as a key player in shaping the future of tech education and workforce development.

Financial Analyst

While Salesforce's $23M educational grant is commendable from a CSR perspective, its direct financial impact on the company is likely minimal in the short term. With Salesforce's annual revenue exceeding $31B, this grant represents a small fraction of its financial resources. However, the long-term strategy could yield significant returns by fostering a skilled workforce and enhancing brand reputation.

Investors should note that this investment in education and AI literacy could strengthen Salesforce's competitive position in the AI-driven CRM market. By helping to create a more AI-literate workforce, Salesforce is indirectly supporting the adoption and development of its own AI products. The company's designation as the "#1 AI CRM" suggests a strong focus on AI integration and these educational initiatives could reinforce its market leadership in this critical area. While not immediately impacting financials, this strategy could contribute to sustained growth and market dominance in the evolving AI landscape.

New grants will support high schools and middle schools in cities across the United States

More than $6 million will go toward AI education and literacy

Marc and Lynne Benioff will donate an additional $3 million to schools in Hawai’i

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the world’s #1 AI CRM, ahead of the company’s annual Dreamforce conference, today announced $23 million in new grants to U.S. school districts and global education nonprofits to equip students with the skills needed for future success. Salesforce’s 12-year commitment to education has now reached $150 million in grants to schools across the country. And, Marc and Lynne Benioff will donate an additional $3 million to DonorsChoose to support public education in Hawai’i, building on two decades of philanthropic giving in the state.

AI is transforming the way we work, but only 15% of workers say that they have the education and training necessary to use AI effectively. The funding will provide students with career readiness opportunities and help them learn new skills — like AI and STEM — to prepare for the future, while providing educators with the latest technology in the classroom. The new grants will also support nonprofits that are helping widen access to AI training and increase pathways to meaningful careers.

“To succeed in today’s workforce, people must build the skills to use technology effectively – and that starts in school,” said Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer, Salesforce. “Together with our partners, Salesforce is helping give schools the tools they need to keep up with the pace of innovation and prepare students for an AI future to make sure that no one is left behind.”

Salesforce’s ongoing commitment to public education

The company is directing $13 million of this year's grants to middle schools and high schools across the country, including San Francisco Public Schools, Oakland Public Schools, New York City Public Schools, Chicago Public Schools, and Indianapolis Public Schools. The grants will support programs that increase STEM access, bring real-world work experiences into the classroom, and introduce AI literacy.

Salesforce has made the single largest investment from any private entity to San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) – and those communities are seeing the impact. At SFUSD, the number of female and underrepresented students of color taking Computer Science classes has doubled in the last decade. And, OUSD educators reported increased demand for Computer Science coursework in high school as a result of middle school programming, with 65% of computer science middle school enrollment being Black or LatinX students.

“Emerging technologies like AI will continue to impact our schools, workplaces, and society,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “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.”

“Salesforce’s support of our schools has made a profound impact on San Francisco public school students, preparing them for an AI future by focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education,” said Dr. Matt Wayne, Superintendent of SFUSD. “We are incredibly grateful for Salesforce’s unwavering commitment to public education and the students of San Francisco.”

Accelerating AI education, skills, and literacy

Salesforce will also grant $10 million to 14 nonprofits in the U.S., France, and Australia, with more than $6 million allocated to nonprofits focused specifically on AI skilling and literacy. These investments will help students explore career opportunities, foster AI education, and alleviate education inequities.

Organizations include AI4All, aiEDU, Aurora Education Foundation, Boston Private Industry Council, CareerVillage, Code The Dream, Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), Enterprise For Youth, Fast Forward, Forum des images, The Hidden Genius Project, Launch Pathways or Launch: Equitable & Accelerated Pathways for All, Re:Coded, and Rivet School.

Last year, Salesforce also launched an AI accelerator to multiply its impact by supporting nonprofits creating AI-powered tools and technology, nurturing ideas like Teacher Agents to assist teachers with administrative tasks, and Advisor Agents to help advisors personalize learning for their students.

“AI is rapidly transforming our world, and it’s crucial that we prepare all students to thrive in this new reality,” said Alex Kotran, Co-Founder and CEO at aiEDU. “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. Together, we’re not just teaching about AI tools; we’re empowering a generation to become informed creators, consumers, and citizens in a world where AI is everywhere.”

Marc and Lynne Benioff’s Commitment to Education in Hawai’i

Marc and Lynne Benioff will donate $3 million in matching funds to DonorsChoose to support teachers and students in Hawai’i. This funding will help provide mental health resources for teachers, classroom supply needs for students with disabilities, care and hunger supplies, and STEM education resources. This builds on a two-decade-long commitment by the Benioffs to giving philanthropically in Hawai’i, totalling more than $250 million.

Philanthropy at Salesforce is funded by a combination of corporate giving and donations from the Salesforce Foundation.

Salesforce helps organizations of any size reimagine their business for the world of AI. With Agentforce, Salesforce's trusted platform, organizations can bring humans together with agents to drive customer success—powered by AI, data, and action. Visit www.salesforce.com for more information.

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Salesforce Public Relations

pr@salesforce.com

Source: Salesforce

FAQ

How much has Salesforce (CRM) committed to education grants in 2024?

Salesforce (CRM) has announced $23 million in new grants to U.S. school districts and global education nonprofits in 2024.

What is the focus of Salesforce's (CRM) education grants in 2024?

The focus is on equipping students with skills for future success, particularly in AI and STEM education, to prepare them for an AI-driven workforce.

How much of Salesforce's (CRM) 2024 education grants are dedicated to AI education?

Over $6 million of the total $23 million in grants is specifically allocated to AI skilling and literacy initiatives.

What is the total amount Salesforce (CRM) has committed to education over the past 12 years?

Salesforce's 12-year commitment to education has now reached a total of $150 million in grants to schools across the country.