Leading US community colleges adding Swift curriculum

“We’ve seen firsthand how Apple’s app ecosystem has transformed the global economy, creating entire new industries and supporting millions of jobs,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We believe passionately that same opportunity should be extended to everyone, and community colleges have a powerful reach into communities where education becomes the great equalizer.”

Serving one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, ACC educates students across 11 campuses and eight counties. With more than 7,000 current job openings in tech fields, Austin’s leaders have aligned on a workforce development plan that empowers residents to take advantage of these new business opportunities.

“We’re thrilled to have Apple join our mission to make Austin more affordable for people who already live in the city,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “Apple is going to be a force multiplier in the community’s ongoing efforts to lift 10,000 out of poverty and into good jobs over the next five years.”

Other community colleges joining ACC in adding App Development with Swift curriculum for the fall are Northeast Mississippi Community College, Northwest Kansas Technical College and additional campuses in the Alabama Community College System.

“Through our ‘Strong Start, Strong Finish’ initiative, I have made it a priority to seek out computer science opportunities for all Alabama students,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “I fully support this partnership with Apple because of the advanced learning opportunities and real-world experiences it provides.”

Apple’s commitment to economic and workforce development extends beyond the curriculum — Apple’s app economy supports 1.5 million jobs in the United States. Last year, US software developers earned $5 billion through the App Store, a 40 percent increase over 2015. Since the App Store launched, Apple has paid out $16 billion to US developers, over one-quarter of total App Store earnings.