Salesforce pledges $23 Million to U.S. schools for AI education and STEM initiatives
Salesforce has announced $23 million in new grants to support schools and education nonprofits across the U.S. as part of its ongoing commitment to education.
The donations revealed ahead of the company’s annual Dreamforce conference, focus on equipping students with skills for an AI-driven future. The grants bring Salesforce’s total contributions to education to $150 million over the past 12 years.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife, Lynne, have also committed an extra $3 million to support public schools in Hawaii through DonorsChoose, part of their broader philanthropic efforts in the state.
Funding AI and STEM education initiatives
The newly announced grants will be used to fund AI and STEM education in middle and high schools across the country, with $13 million allocated to schools in San Francisco, Oakland, New York City, Chicago, and Indianapolis.
These funds will be directed toward increasing access to STEM programmes, bringing real-world work experiences into classrooms, and introducing AI literacy to students.
Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer at Salesforce stated:
“To succeed in today’s workforce, people must build the skills to use technology effectively – and that starts in school. 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 grants have already appear to have had a significant effect in cities like San Francisco and Oakland, where funding has helped boost access to computer science education. The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) reports that the number of female and underrepresented students of colour enrolled in computer science classes has doubled over the past decade. In Oakland, 65% of middle school students enrolled in computer science programs are Black or LatinX.
"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.
In addition to the national grants, Marc and Lynne Benioff’s $3 million donation to Hawai’i schools through DonorsChoose will focus on providing resources for mental health support, classroom supplies for students with disabilities, and STEM education tools. This is part of their long-standing commitment to supporting education in Hawaii, which totals over $250 million in donations.
Global nonprofit support
Salesforce will also allocate $10 million in grants to 14 nonprofits in the U.S., France, and Australia, with more than $6 million dedicated to organisations focusing on AI education and skills development. The supported organisations include AI4All, aiEDU, and The Hidden Genius Project. These efforts aim to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have access to education and opportunities in AI-related fields.
Alex Kotran, Co-Founder and CEO of aiEDU, highlighted the importance of AI education in preparing students for the future:
“AI is rapidly transforming our world, and it’s crucial that we prepare all students to thrive in this new reality. 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.”
