Luce County 4-H program coordinator recognized by Apple as a Community Education Initiative Ambassador
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EmailUsing iPads and innovation to ignite student potential in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Michigan State University Extension’s Ashley Freed, Luce County 4-H program coordinator, has been recognized by Apple as a Community Education Initiative (CEI) Ambassador. Established in 2021, Apple’s CEI Ambassador program recognizes educators for their local leadership and commitment to using technology to expand access to opportunities for learners in their community.
“At Apple, we have always believed in the power of education to create opportunity — and we know that when great teachers have access to great technology, students are able to unlock their highest potential,” said Stacy Erb, Apple’s director of CEI. “We’re proud to recognize this latest cohort of CEI Ambassadors, who demonstrate leadership, creativity and a passion for helping students dream big and develop new skills.”
In Michigan, Apple’s CEI is a key funding partner in the popular 4-H Clover’s CODE (Creating Opportunities Designed for Everyone) program, which explores coding and creative arts through technology. In addition to helping youth to grow their skills and explore their interests, the program exposes youth to high growth, high paying jobs in technical and creative career pathways. 4-H Clover’s CODE is offered in 16 different Michigan counties, including Luce County, where Freed delivers the program locally.
“Ashley has been a tremendous asset to MSU Extension’s 4-H Clover’s Code program,” said Kathy Jamieson, MSU Extension educator who oversees the program across Michigan. “Ashley’s skill and passion in using Apple technology is evident in her programming. Her willingness to share what she has learned with both the Michigan and national 4-H Apple CEI team has been instrumental in increasing the program’s capacity. We are so lucky to have her!”
Through the program, CEI Ambassadors gain access to professional learning and coaching from a team of Apple experts. As a result, CEI Ambassadors learn best practices for using iPads to create engaging learning experiences, build the skills and confidence to teach introductory coding with Swift, explore Apple’s Everyone Can Create resources to enhance student creativity, and create a community with other educators from around the world.
Freed found the experience to be very impactful and rewarding.
"I was so honored to be selected as the first Michigan 4-H Apple CEI Ambassador. Going through this program helped me to see not only the impact of the Apple technology as a whole, but to identify the greater impact within my community and school. I’m proud to be a part of this group of Apple educators and look forward to expanding my Apple work within Luce County."
Over the past four decades, Apple has been a committed educational leader. Through its work in education, the company has shared its cutting-edge technology and professional learning resources with millions of students and educators, equipping them with the tools to create new worlds, connect in engaging ways, and pursue the jobs of tomorrow. The company launched its CEI in 2019 to bring coding, creativity, and career opportunities to learners of all ages in communities around the world.
Learn, connect, and be inspired in the Apple Education Community.
