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Develop Detroit Launches Fall Classes in Mobile App Design and Programming

DETROIT -- Michigan's tech professionals can soon add a new skill to their resume: iPhone and iPad app development.

This October, Develop Detroit will launch its second semester of courses, expanding upon its successful summer session. Entrepreneurs, programmers, or designers can enroll in one of two course tracks: iOS App Programming or Design.

Classes will be offered in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing from Oct. 15 to Dec. 19.

Expert iOS developers from local tech companies, including ArborMoon Software of Ann Arbor, Vectorform of Royal Oak, and Detroit Labs, will instruct students. Each Develop Detroit class will blend philosophical and practical concepts, ensuring that each student leaves class with the appropriate context and the practical skill to build their dream apps.  Moreover, Develop Detroit connects every student with an experienced iOS mentor, thus building a more tightly-integrated tech community.

The Detroit area has seen incredible growth in technology businesses over the last several years, driven by Quicken Loans, Detroit Venture Partners and its portfolio companies, Bizdom, Detroit Labs, TechTown, and numerous grass-roots community efforts. Consequently, demand for tech talent already exceeds supply, especially in iOS development and design. Develop Detroit believes it can help equip hundreds of developers and designers throughout Michigan each year.

"Technology is an up-and-coming industry in Metro Detroit, and mobile is at the center of technology," said its founder, Mike Vichich. "We need a way for aspiring entrepreneurs, programmers, and designers to quickly scale the learning curve and to get plugged into the community."

These classes aren't just for small companies and startups, though. Quicken Loans enrolled several team members in this summer's course in Detroit, which takes place in the Chase Tower in the heart of the city's growing downtown tech hub.

"It is very important that technology companies offer opportunities for their team members to continue their education," said Quicken Loans CIO Linglong He. "We support Develop Detroit's initiatives because when our team members learn new skills, it not only helps them as individuals, but it also helps our business to develop the best technological tools. We were one of the first mortgage companies to develop a mobile app, and we put a lot of focus in mobile development, so it is important that we find people with the skills to work with that technology."

Tuition for the design course is $2,500, and the programming course is $3,000, with a $500 discount for students, non-profits, and Venture for America fellows. Web designers, software developers, entrepreneurs, project managers and or anyone seeking these cutting-edge skills should enroll by Midnight on Oct. 7.

Visit www.devdet.com for more information or to enroll.

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