Last November, Apple unveiled a new edition of the Swift Student Challenge and a new "Everyone Can Code" program. The SWIFT Student Challenge provides thousands of students around the world with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and develop practical skills that benefit their careers and lives. Since its launch in 2020, this global challenge has provided thousands of student developers with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and coding skills through app playgrounds, as well as gain real-world skills that can be used in their careers and beyond.
Apple's new Swift Student Challenge will kick off in February 2024. Applications for the 2024 SWIFT Student Challenge are now open for three weeks with a deadline of 25 February 2024.
It is important to note that the SWIFT Student Challenge is only open to student developers who are developing their software development skills, and does not accept submissions from entrants who have been hired as professional developers. In addition, students should create a description of the app playground that provides an experience within three minutes and focuses on a theme of their choice. Please check Apple's official website for specific requirements.
Students can also further improve their coding skills by continuing to explore learning resources and tools such as Swift Playgrounds and Xcode, or they can dive deeper into the Today at Apple Coding course at their local Apple Store. These tools are useful for developers who are new to app development as well as those who are very familiar with app development.
Montgomery County's public schools are creating new pathways for equity and employment in the community through learning to code.
Gam Preenapun from Chiang Mai University, Thailand, a medical school student in the class of 2026 and a winner of the 2021 Swift Student Challenge, created her app project Girl Guard on her Mac using Xcode's Playgrounds to help people fight sexual harassment. "My goal is to find solutions that can help people on a larger scale, and contribute to a brighter future for present and future generations," she said. ”
Apple says that the great work that emerges from the Swift Student Challenge is always amazing. Higher prizes will be awarded to participants who have achieved a very high level of concept, design and application of their app playgrounds, and have demonstrated excellence in innovative thinking, creative excellence, social impact or diversity and inclusion. New to the 2024 Challenge, Apple will select 50 outstanding winners out of 350 winners, recognize them, and invite them to an extraordinary three-day tour of Apple's campus in Cupertino. During this time, they will gain valuable insights from Apple experts and engineers, connect with peers at exciting events, and gain access to a range of other engaging and memorable experiences.
In addition, all challenge winners will receive a one-year membership to the Apple Developer Program, a free voucher to take the App Development with SWIFT certification exam, and a special gift from Apple.