The Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah, features an insightful conversation with Russell Goerend, a key figure in the Waukee APEX program. The episode dives into the innovative educational approaches at the Waukee Innovation and Learning Center (WILC) in Waukee, a rapidly growing suburb of Des Moines, Iowa. The APEX program, which stands for Aspiring Professional Experience, was inspired by the CAPS program in Blue Valley, Kansas. It offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to immerse themselves in various career fields through practical, hands-on experiences. This program aims to help students determine if they want to pursue a particular career further, offering courses aligned with economic trends in the Des Moines region, such as finance, healthcare, web technology, and construction leadership.
Russell emphasizes the importance of real-world applications and professional skills, explaining that students are encouraged to engage with real business clients and projects. This experiential learning approach is foundational to the APEX program, allowing students to make informed decisions about their future careers.
Rage-free Iowa news for your inbox
Justin, David, & Kaylee cover Iowa news, agriculture, business and tech. No clickbait. No rage. No agenda. Support our vision and subscribe!
A noteworthy aspect of the program is the business startup course, which focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship. Students, referred to as student associates, engage with the local startup community and participate in workshops like Venture Tuesdays, where they learn about venture capital. The program is open to students from neighboring districts, extending its reach beyond Waukee.
The partnership with Innoventure Iowa has been instrumental in providing students with unique insights into venture capital, preparing them for potential entrepreneurial endeavors. Micah and Russell discuss the value of exposing students to these concepts early, fostering a mindset that embraces learning from failures and persistence in pursuing ideas.
The episode concludes with Russell expressing gratitude for the partnership with Innoventure Iowa and announcing a Catalyst Award for Micah and his team, recognizing their contribution to the APEX program.