DETROIT – Thursday marks the graduation of the first-ever Detroit Apple Developer Academy students.
These graduates could be the newest developers of future everyday apps you use on your smartphone.
“This is the first time Apple is doing this in North America. To be a part of the first graduating class is really is a great accomplishment,” graduate Aaron Preston said.
Read: Grads of first US Apple Developer Academy feted in Detroit
After 10 months, the 33-year-old has graduated from the free Detroit Apple Developer Academy and is ready to pursue a career in gaming.
“I’m a gamer and ever since I was little I wanted to learn how to make them,” Preston said.
The same goes for 25-year-old Amari Perkins. She has found a new love in coding and app development. She even hopes to one day use those skills in a career at Local 4.
The staff at the academy calls themselves mentors. The idea is that they’re all learning together. The mentees range in age from 18 to 64 years old. To be a part of the future for this inaugural class is humbling. And for the Detroit Apple Developer Academy Class of 2022, the sky is the limit.
Many students have already landed jobs. Some of them will be working with GM, Ford or Rocket Mortgage. They will be using their expertise in coding and more.
The academy’s free program is made possible through a partnership with Michigan State University and money from the Gilbert Family Foundation.
For more information on the programs and ways to get involved, please click here.
Read: More local news coverage