Apple highlighted the fifth graduating class from its Detroit Developer Academy, featuring local app makers who have built businesses and community projects through the program. The free training focuses on app development, design, business, and professional skills, currently available in six countries with Detroit being the only US location.

Created in 2021 as part of Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, the academy partners with Michigan State University and the Gilbert Family Foundation. Over 1,800 students have participated across its full nine-month experience and the four-week Apple Foundation Program, with this year's cohort including 200 Detroiters.

The company spotlighted four graduates including Courey Jimenez, who created Sign & Says, an accessibility app that incorporates American Sign Language. Other featured alumni included Saamer Mansoor (BeAware Deaf Assistant), Briaca Duesette (Animation Discovery Studio), and Nick Gordon (DevsCreate313). Despite Wired reporting a 71% job placement rate for recent graduates, Apple emphasized that alumni apply coding and design skills across various industries beyond just tech positions.