There’s about to be a beautiful relationship between Apple and Detroit. Apple has plans to open its first Developer Academy in 2021, and Detroit will be its home. 

The first of its kind in the United States, Apple made the announcement on Wednesday that’s moving forward with opening Academy later this year. The focus will be to empower young Black entrepreneurs, creators, and coders, helping them cultivate the skills necessary for jobs in the rapidly growing iOS app economy.

The Developer Academy will be launched in collaboration with Michigan State University. Courses at the specialty academy will be open to all learners across Detroit, regardless of their academic background or whether they have any previous coding experience.

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Students will have two options of study at the new academy. There will be a 30-day introductory program that is designed for learners who are considering app economy careers and looking to better understand what it means to be a developer.

The second program will be a full academy program that consist of a intensive 10 to 12-month program that will help aspiring developers build the skills needed to participate in the iOS app economy, and even start their own businesses.

Apple states in the press release that they expect the academy’s programming to reach close to 1,000 students each year with a curriculum that covers coding, design, marketing, and professional skills.

The Developer Academy is part of Apple's new Racial Equity and Justice initiative. The REJI is a $100 million set of projects focused on dismantling systemic barriers to opportunity and combat injustices faced by communities of color. Also part of the initiative along with the academy is the Propel Center, a first-of-its-kind global innovation and learning hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and  a venture capital funding for Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

 

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