The Spring 2025 semester at Waukee APEX was marked by significant achievements, collaborative projects, and community engagement, strengthening the program’s commitment to providing students with real-world professional experiences. Throughout the semester, we continued to strengthen our partnerships with local businesses and institutions while engaging with new partners to create more opportunities for students. We served almost 400 students this semester and partnered with businesses on over 150 projects, from financial case studies with RBC Wealth Management to modifying and adapting sporting equipment with Can Play.
We have been very busy this Spring semester celebrating the accomplishments of our students.
On May 6, we, along with our CTE Departments, hosted Futures Unveiled: Career Commitment Day (previously called Skilled Trades Signing Day). Students who have taken one or more courses in the skilled trades, Intro to Education, Prostart, CNA, or EMT classes during their time at Waukee Community School District were invited to participate. We recognized seniors who committed to a job offer, apprenticeship, community college, or an advanced technical training program in these career fields. This event was part of a nationwide signing day to recognize how valuable these careers are to our community.
On May 8, 2025, we celebrated the semester’s accomplishments at our bi-annual Waukee APEX and CTE Showcase. We had over 500 visitors to the Waukee Innovation and Learning Center, where guests had the opportunity to engage with students, connect with faculty, and network with business and college partners.
Check out this awesome highlight video created by one of our APEX interns, Ollie Tow:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FZHRaSZqh/
On May 12, our School-to-Work interns recognized and celebrated their employers during our annual Employer Recognition Event. Throughout the 2024–2025 school year, more than 80 students gained real-world experience through internships. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible intern coordinators and business partners who make these opportunities possible. Your support provides our seniors with meaningful experiences as they prepare for life after high school.
On May 16 we held a pinning and coin celebration for our CNA and EMT students. We celebrated over 40 students who completed all responsibilities and requirements toward their respective course. Traditional nursing pins were awarded to those
who completed all CNA course requirements and the EMT “celebration” or “challenge” coins were specially designed and minted to reflect the three programs that came together to create this opportunity: on one side with the APEX logo and the other side are the DMACC and Waukee Fire Department logos. We are looking forward to welcoming our new class of CNAs and EMTs in the fall.
Instructors are working diligently over the summer to solidify partnerships and confirm their project queues for the upcoming academic year. If you are interested in potential partnership opportunities, please reach out to schedule a discovery meeting with a member of our Waukee APEX team. You can find more information on our website: https://apex.waukeeschools.org.staging3.juiceboxint.com/contact/