Apple awards HFC $72,000 to advance tech careers

Release Date
Detroit Promise student working on laptop and smiling.

Interested? Fill out this no-obligation form

Apple’s Community Education Initiative (CEI) has awarded $72,000 to HFC to expand access to technology education and career exploration opportunities across the community.

This investment will enable HFC to develop a series of innovative courses connecting learners of all ages to app development, emerging technologies, and career pathways in the digital economy. Using iOS-based tools and curriculum, HFC will offer programs for secondary school students and working professionals, ranging from introductions to Apple’s Swift programming language to advanced technical certifications.

“Our vision is to create inclusive learning pathways that introduce students to technology early and help current professionals strengthen their digital skills,” said HFC Workforce Development Program Manager Cassandra Myers. “With Apple’s support, we are excited to provide hands-on experiences that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and career readiness.”

HFC aims to serve approximately 180 students through four new learning opportunities that increase early exposure to innovation, expand access to emerging technologies, and offer experiential learning in augmented reality (AR), 3-D creation, and drone-based programming.

Starting in the Fall 2025 semester and continuing through the Winter and Summer 2026 semesters, HFC will offer the following courses for K-12 and college students:

  1. Discovering Coding through Swift: An introductory program for 7th and 8th-graders exploring the fundamentals of coding using Apple’s Swift language through hands-on activities and guided challenges.
  2. Creation Explorer: A hands-on media creation course for 7th and 8th-graders focused on storytelling, music, and digital production using iPads and MacBooks. Students will use tools such as iMovie, GarageBand, and Keynote to produce original videos, music, and interactive content.
  3. Coding and Creating with Drones: Designed for high school and adult students, this course explores drone technology, autonomous systems, and related STEAM fields. Learners will engage in block-based and Swift coding, UI/UX design, and aerial media projects.
  4. Apple IT Support Certifications: This program prepares learners for the Apple Certified Support Professional credential, equipping them with the technical and interpersonal skills needed for IT and help desk support roles in iOS environments.

Through these programs, HFC expands equitable access to technology education and builds pathways to high-demand careers in the tech sector.

For more information about these programs or partnership opportunities, please contact mtec@hfcc.edu.