Apple is working hard to increase diversity and widening participation in the developer community by hosting events aimed at demographics that have classically been unrepresented in the industry.
Earlier in February, Apple announced its inaugural Apple Entrepreneur Camp for Black developers and founders. One week later, it has followed up with the opening of applications for another Entrepreneur Camp---this time aiming to offer support and resources for female developers and founders.
It's a great opportunity to get involved with coding for Apple's thriving App Store, and beyond.
Guidance, Mentorship, and Inspiration From Apple
Apple has already announced the 13 developers and companies that will take part in its Apple Entrepreneur Camp for Black developers and founders. However, on February 22 it opened up applications for its Apple Entrepreneur Camp for female founders and developers. Apple's Developer page notes that:
"Apple Entrepreneur Camp supports underrepresented founders and developers as they build the next generation of cutting-edge apps and helps form a global network that encourages the pipeline and longevity of these entrepreneurs in technology.
Applications are open now for the next cohort for female founders and developers, which runs online from July 20 to 29, 2021. Attendees receive code-level guidance, mentorship, and inspiration with unprecedented access to Apple engineers and leaders. Applications close on March 26, 2021."
A linked page shows some of the entrepreneurs and developer alumni who have previously attended Apple's Entrepreneur Camp. You can also find more information about the entry process on Apple's Developer page.
If you want a shot at getting involved in the Apple Entrepreneur Camp for female founders and developers, you will have to be a female-identifying CEO, cofounder, or developer. Developers must be skilled in the Swift or Objective-C coding language. They must also have a functioning app that can be demonstrated.
A Great Opportunity for Developers
To be clear, this is not an entry level initiative being offered by Apple. The company offers plenty of resources---including an entire Swift curriculum and in-Apple Store coding classes---for those who are just starting out their developer careers. However, if you meet the eligibility requirements, and are free to participate online in late July, this is a tremendous opportunity to get some assistance and advice from some of the best minds Apple has to offer.
Under CEO Tim Cook's leadership, Apple has made significant strides when it comes to opening up participation to those from underrepresented communities and demographics. This Apple Entrepreneur Camp initiative is just the latest iteration of that ambition---and a particularly welcome one, to boot.