Shares of Apple's App Course Program have been under scrutiny due to its hefty price tag of $20,000 per student. The program, launched in 2021 as part of Apple's 200 million dollar response to the Black Lives Matter protests, aims to expand opportunities for people of color in the country's poorest big city. However, graduates of the program have expressed concerns about the cost-of-living stipend and the sufficiency of the coursework in preparing them for a career in coding.

According to officials, the Apple Developer Academy in Detroit has welcomed over 1,700 students since its inception, with about 600 students completing the 10-month course. The program, cosponsored by Michigan State University, provides half-day instruction in Apple-focused courses. Despite the program's lofty goals, graduates have reported mixed results, with some struggling to find employment in the field.

Lizmary Fernandez, a 25-year-old who attended the program, expressed her disappointment with the program's cost-of-living stipend. "A lot of us got on food stamps," she said. Fernandez, who is now a flight attendant and preparing to apply to law school, felt that the coursework was insufficient for landing a coding job. "I didn't have the experience or portfolio," she said. "Coding is not something I got back to."

WIRED reviewed contracts and budgets for the program, revealing that the cost per student is approximately $20,000. This figure includes the cost of instruction, living stipends, and other expenses. Officials from the program defended the cost, citing the need for high-quality instruction and resources. However, some graduates have questioned the value of the program, given the high price tag.

The Apple Developer Academy was launched as part of Apple's efforts to increase diversity in the tech industry. The company has faced criticism in the past for its lack of diversity, and the program was seen as a step towards addressing this issue. However, the program's high cost has raised questions about its accessibility and effectiveness.

Industry experts have weighed in on the program's value, with some expressing skepticism about its ability to provide a return on investment for students. "While the program may provide a good foundation in coding, it's unclear whether it provides the necessary experience and portfolio for students to land a job in the field," said one expert. Others have praised the program's efforts to increase diversity in the tech industry, but have expressed concerns about the cost.

The current status of the program is unclear, with officials from Apple and Michigan State University declining to comment on the program's future. However, the controversy surrounding the program's cost has raised questions about its sustainability and effectiveness. As the tech industry continues to evolve, the debate over the value of the Apple Developer Academy is likely to continue.