Michelle Thorne, a Senior Program Manager for App Development with Swift and Apple Certified Support Certifications at NC3, 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 Community Education Initiative. “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.” 

“Michelle’s recognition as an Apple CEI Ambassador highlights her dedication of empowering educators, building impactful communities, and creating meaningful training experiences,” says Paulina Szpila, Program Category Manager at the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). “Her leadership and expertise in integrating Apple’s state-of-the-art technologies into her program reflects NC3’s mission to prepare today’s instructors and students for tomorrow’s opportunities.” 

Through the program, CEI Ambassadors gain access to professional learning and coaching from a team of Apple experts. Through these sessions, CEI Ambassadors learn best practices for using iPad 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. 

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 Community Education Initiative in 2019 to bring coding, creativity, and career opportunities to learners of all ages in communities around the world.