Shares of Apple's Developer Academy in Detroit have seen significant growth since its inception in 2021, with over 1,700 students participating in the program. The academy, launched as part of Apple's $200 million response to the Black Lives Matter protests, aims to expand opportunities for people of color in the country's poorest big city. However, a closer examination of the program reveals a more complex reality, with students facing significant financial burdens and limited job prospects.

According to Lizmary Fernandez, a 25-year-old who participated in the program, the cost-of-living stipend provided by the academy was insufficient, forcing many students to rely on food stamps to get by. "A lot of us got on food stamps," Fernandez said. "I didn't have the experience or portfolio to land a coding job. Coding is not something I got back to." Fernandez, who is now a flight attendant and preparing to apply to law school, is one of over 600 students who have completed the program's 10-month course.

The academy's curriculum, which is cosponsored by Michigan State University, focuses on teaching students how to develop iPhone apps using Apple's proprietary software. However, graduates like Fernandez have reported struggling to find employment in the tech industry, citing a lack of experience and portfolio as major obstacles. "I didn't have the experience or portfolio to land a coding job," Fernandez said. "I had to go back to school and start over."

The program's high cost is also a significant concern, with students paying upwards of $20,000 per year for the privilege of participating. This has led to accusations that the program is more focused on generating revenue for Apple than on providing meaningful opportunities for students. "The program is a way for Apple to get a pool of talented developers who are already trained and ready to go," said one industry expert, who wished to remain anonymous. "It's a way for them to get a return on their investment."

Despite these criticisms, Apple officials maintain that the program is a vital step towards increasing diversity in the tech industry. "We believe that the Apple Developer Academy is a critical component of our efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech industry," said an Apple spokesperson. "We are committed to providing opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds to learn and grow in the tech industry."

The program's future remains uncertain, with some experts predicting that it will continue to grow and evolve in response to changing industry needs. Others, however, are more skeptical, citing the program's high cost and limited job prospects as major concerns. As the tech industry continues to evolve and change, one thing is clear: the Apple Developer Academy is a complex and multifaceted program that will require careful scrutiny and evaluation in the years to come.