Apple's Developer Academy in Detroit has trained hundreds in iPhone app development at a cost of $20,000 per student, funded by the company, Michigan taxpayers, and a wealthy local family. Launched as part of a $200 million initiative following Black Lives Matter protests, the program seeks to boost opportunities for people of color in America's poorest major city. However, not all graduates secure coding jobs immediately.
The Apple Developer Academy in Detroit represents a significant investment in tech education amid efforts to address inequality. Two years ago, participants like Lizmary Fernandez, who was pursuing a career as an immigration attorney, enrolled in the free course to learn iPhone app development. The academy, part of Apple's broader $200 million commitment in response to the Black Lives Matter protests, targets expanding opportunities for people of color in Detroit, identified as the nation's poorest large city.
Funding for the program, totaling around $30 million, came from Apple, Michigan taxpayers, and one of Detroit's wealthiest families. This has enabled the training of hundreds of individuals in software skills essential for building iPhone apps. Despite the substantial resources, outcomes vary: while the initiative aims to foster long-term career growth in higher education and technology sectors, not every graduate transitions directly into coding positions.
The program's structure highlights Apple's push into educational partnerships, blending corporate resources with public and private support to tackle urban economic challenges. Keywords associated with the effort include Apple, apps, iPhone, higher education, software, and Detroit, underscoring its focus on tech accessibility in underserved communities.
