Apple and Michigan State University announced that they will partner to launch the tech giant’s first United States-based Developer Academy in Detroit.

January 13, 2021 - Caroline Brooks and Kelly Mazurkiewicz

General FAQs about the program and partnership

“We’re grateful for the partnership this opportunity brings to Michigan,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “Apple is the perfect partner for us to help educate and prepare a diverse generation of coders, tech leaders and entrepreneurs, and Detroit — Michigan’s innovative technology and premier urban hub — is the right location for this academy. There is tremendous potential for this project moving forward and we’re excited to get started.”

Why have Apple and MSU partnered together to launch the Apple Developer Academy?

MSU and Apple have shared commitments to empowering people to create better lives for themselves and their communities. For three years, MSU and Apple have been working together on efforts to provide new forms of transformative education. The university began with the iOS Design Lab on campus, continued with community-based learning opportunities around technology in Detroit and together with Apple has deepened its shared commitment with the Developer Academy.

Where else does Apple have a Developer Academy?

MSU will host the first Apple Developer Academy in North America. Few Apple Developer Academies exist worldwide; currently, locations are in Brazil, Italy and Indonesia.

Why was Detroit selected for the first U.S. location?

Since the birth of the auto industry, Detroit has been the assembly line for the world’s imagination by driving innovation and building diverse communities through employment and training opportunities.

Detroit is a city of design and creative arts, as well as a quickly growing tech sector and startup ecosystem. The city has a vibrant and diverse entrepreneur and developer community and the investment in the Apple Developer Academy with MSU will help support its growth.

Who can apply to enroll in The Apple Developer Academy?

The Apple Developer Academy with MSU will be open to all Michiganders. There will be a competitive application process designed to create diverse cohorts of students.

What is the length of the program, and what can students expect to learn?

The Academy program lasts one year and students will go through a curriculum covering coding, design, entrepreneurship and an array of professional skills. Then, MSU will offer an accompanying month-long program designed for learners who are considering app economy careers and looking to better understand what it means to be a developer.

What happens next to launch the Developer Academy?

MSU will continue to work on logistics related to opening the Academy and will share details related to location and the first cohort as they are finalized.

What other programs does MSU have like this in the city of Detroit?

This partnership program is unique to the university. However, the Detroit area is home to almost 105,000 MSU alumni encouraging connection, service and investment.

Other MSU-affiliated programs in the city include Science Gallery Detroit, the MSU Community Music School, the MSU Detroit Center, a forthcoming partnership with the Henry Ford Health System, among others.