The first class from Apple's Naples, Italy Developer Academy on the grounds of the University of Naples Federico II has graduated, and Vice President Lisa Jackson was there to commemorate the occasion.

Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives sent a Tweet on Thursday morning, with her posing the the class.

"Europe is home to some of the most creative developers in the world and we're thrilled to be helping the next generation of entrepreneurs in Italy get the skills they need for success," said Apple CEO Tim Cook when the initiative was launched in January 2016. "The phenomenal success of the App Store is one of the driving forces behind the more than 1.4 million jobs Apple has created in Europe and presents unlimited opportunities for people of all ages and businesses of all sizes across the continent."

The program is hosted by the University of Naples Federico II. It is the oldest public university in the world, and is the third university in Italy ranked by enrolled students. 

"We are thrilled to be working with University of Naples Federico II to launch the first iOS Developer Academy in Europe," said Apple's Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri in July 2016 when the company announced the location for the center. "Some of the most creative developers in the world come from Europe, and we are confident this center will help the next generation get the skills they need for success."

Apple also claims that the App Store is responsible for the creation of more than 75,000 jobs in Italy. Notable Italian developers include IK Multimedia and travel app purveyor Musement.

The partnership between Apple and the University of Naples allows the nine-month curriculum to be offered free to all accepted into the program. In the first wave, 4000 applied, with 200 allowed to attend.

Besides just courseware, all 200 students at the iOS Developer Academy receive an iPhone, iPad and a Macbook. The program will expand to 400 students at some point in 2017.

Source: appleinsider