Yesterday, Apple announced that their WWDC 2013 tickets would go on sale on the 25th of April, and now Apple has announced that they will give away 150 tickets to student developers.

“Submissions will be judged on technical accomplishment, creativity of ideas expressed in the app and essay questions, and technical/work experience. If there is a tie between applicants in the final judging process, Apple will base its final decision on the creativity of ideas expressed in the Student Scholarship application.”
In order to qualify, you must be a member of Apple’s iOS Developer program and must be a student aged over 13. Apple will be taking entries from the 29th of April to the 2nd of May.
Importance of WWDC for Developers
The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is one of the most anticipated events in the tech industry, especially for developers working within the Apple ecosystem. It serves as a platform for Apple to showcase its latest software and hardware innovations. For developers, it is an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the latest updates to iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Attendees have the chance to participate in hands-on labs, attend in-depth sessions, and network with Apple engineers and fellow developers.
The announcement of free tickets for student developers is particularly significant. It underscores Apple’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech talent. By providing these opportunities, Apple is not only investing in the future of technology but also ensuring that young, innovative minds have the resources and support they need to succeed.
How to Apply for the Student Scholarship
To apply for the WWDC 2013 Student Scholarship, students must submit an application that includes an app they have developed, along with answers to essay questions. The app should demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity. The essay questions are designed to gauge the applicant’s understanding of their work and their vision for future projects.
Apple’s criteria for judging submissions are stringent but fair. They look for technical proficiency, innovative thinking, and the ability to articulate ideas clearly. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that the most deserving students are awarded the scholarships.
For example, a student who has developed an app that solves a real-world problem using advanced algorithms would likely score high on technical accomplishment. If the app also features a unique user interface or an innovative approach to user interaction, it would score well on creativity. The essay questions provide an opportunity for the student to explain their thought process, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.
The tie-breaking criterion, which focuses on the creativity of ideas expressed in the application, highlights Apple’s emphasis on innovation. This approach encourages students to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what is possible with technology.
Benefits of Attending WWDC
Winning a ticket to WWDC can be a game-changer for student developers. The conference offers a wealth of knowledge and resources that can significantly enhance their skills and career prospects. Attendees have the chance to:
1. Learn from Experts: Sessions are led by Apple engineers and cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of app development to advanced techniques and best practices.
2. Hands-On Labs: These labs provide a unique opportunity to work directly with Apple engineers on specific coding challenges and projects.
3. Networking: The conference attracts developers from all over the world, providing a platform to build connections, share ideas, and collaborate on future projects.
4. Exposure to New Technologies: Apple often unveils new tools and technologies at WWDC, giving attendees a first look and the chance to start working with them immediately.
In conclusion, Apple’s decision to give away 150 WWDC tickets to student developers is a commendable initiative that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the tech community. It provides young developers with an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the future of technology.
Source Apple Insider
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