Recently, 125 Detroiters graduated from the Apple Developer Academy, completing a 10-month program focused on app development, coding, design, marketing, and project management. The academy, a partnership between Michigan State University, Apple, and the Gilbert Family Foundation, aims to prepare local residents for careers in the tech industry and beyond. The Apple Developer Academy proudly celebrated its fourth cohort of graduates—Detroiters ranging in age from 18 to 72—who now carry the tools and knowledge to shape the future of technology.
This year’s graduating class is a reflection of both the academy’s inclusive philosophy and Detroit’s continued emergence as a hub for innovation. With training in app development, coding, design, marketing, and project management, the graduates are poised to enter the competitive world of tech or to blaze new trails through entrepreneurship. The curriculum even includes a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence, preparing learners for the rapidly evolving needs of the digital economy.
“Congratulations to the Apple Developer Academy class of 2025,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Our thriving partnership with Apple and its robust application development curriculum has helped prepare hundreds of graduates for in-demand, solution-driven careers in fields such as coding, marketing, design and entrepreneurship. I also want to thank the Gilbert Family Foundation for their continued support in helping to bolster the academy’s presence in the city of Detroit and connecting graduates with internships and careers to contribute to Detroit’s growing economy.”
The academy, now in its fourth year, was launched in 2021 as the first of its kind in the United States. It represents a powerful convergence of academic rigor, industry support, and community investment. With the Gilbert Family Foundation’s involvement, the program has been able to deepen its roots in Detroit by expanding career pipelines and ensuring students have opportunities well beyond the classroom.
“As Detroit continues to emerge as a national hub for technology, the Apple Developer Academy is creating pathways for Detroiters of all backgrounds to gain the skills, confidence and connections they need to launch successful careers in the tech industry,” said Laura Grannemann, executive director, Gilbert Family Foundation. “We are proud to support this important program, which is the only one of its kind in the U.S.”
But the academy doesn’t stop after one year. Graduates can apply for the Renaissance program, a second-year track that offers more advanced training and the opportunity to collaborate directly with Detroit institutions and businesses. Participants in the Renaissance program gain hands-on experience through partnerships with groups like the Detroit Historical Museum and local design firms such as Parini. They also receive guidance on entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and financial literacy, with support from the MSU Federal Credit Union and other community organizations.
“We couldn’t be prouder of what students have been able to accomplish these last four years at the academy,” said Alisha Johnson Wilder, Apple’s senior director, Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. “There’s incredible innovation coming out of Detroit, and it’s amazing to see how coding continues to serve as a bridge between ideas and impact among this year’s graduates.”
For some graduates, like Hamza Crichlow, the journey has been deeply personal. A former respiratory therapist with seven years in the medical field, Crichlow came to the academy seeking a new path. His project, Pulmoro, is a powerful example of how the academy encourages students to draw from their life experiences. Pulmoro is designed to assist health care professionals in treating respiratory patients by interpreting arterial blood gas results and ventilator settings, delivering real-time treatment recommendations.
Crichlow’s innovation caught the attention of Apple at the global level—he was named a winner in Apple’s annual Swift Student Challenge, one of only 350 winners worldwide. His recognition earned him a trip to the company’s prestigious Worldwide Developers Conference, where he engaged directly with Apple engineers and developers.
“I love the Apple Developer Academy,” Crichlow said. “It’s been cool to see a lot of like-minded people learning something together. When some of us started, we didn’t know anything about code or design, but now we all have our own app we are designing. A hopeful, optimistic view is what it’s given me.”
Crichlow’s next step is the Renaissance program, where he’ll build on the momentum from his first year. He’s part of a growing network of more than 1,400 academy participants and alumni, many of whom have gone on to create their own startups, enter tech roles in major companies, or return to the community as mentors and leaders.
The Apple Developer Academy stands out not only for its curriculum, but for its accessibility. There are no prerequisites—any Detroiter with an interest in technology and a commitment to learning is welcome. For those still unsure, the Apple Foundation Program provides an introductory, four-week crash course in the essentials of app development. It’s a stepping stone designed to spark curiosity and open doors.
In a city with a legacy of reinvention and resilience, the Apple Developer Academy is helping write the next chapter – one where Detroiters are not only participate in the tech economy, but leadi it. As each graduate walks away with a deeper skillset and broader perspective, the program’s impact becomes clear: their mission is about empowering people to create change, solve problems, and shape the future of their communities.
To learn more about how to apply or get involved, Detroit residents can visit the Apple Developer Academy website at developeracademy.msu.edu.
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