In 1982, Steve Jobs launched Apple’s ‘Kids Can’t Wait’ school giveaway; the programme put more than 9,000 computers into California classrooms, with software and free teacher training to help schools use them
Hewlett-Packard offered to donate 10 computers to each of 14 California high school districts, while Digital Equipment announced a donation of $1.1 million worth of equipment to 46 schools in New England. It introduced teacher-training initiatives, gave 1,500 personal computers to teachers in 88 schools and announced plans to donate another 2,000 machines. At the time, Apple held nearly 50% of the primary and secondary school computer market, compared with 3.9% for IBM, according to the report.
Notably, other technology companies were also trying to win over schools through donations, discounts and training programmes. Tandy, which sold Radio Shack computers, provided educational materials and offered free instruction to teachers. IBM was also working to expand its presence in education.