Apollo Career Center will hold its seventh annual Apollopalooza on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Apollopalooza will showcase the high school and adult education programs, celebrate Apollo's partnerships with local businesses, highlight Career Tech opportunities, its students and instructors. The event is free and open to the public.

“Because Apollo is not a traditional high school or college, and because adults and high school students are being trained during the day and evening, Apollo is opening up the building, for the public to see and experience what Apollo students learn everyday,” said Dana Dukes-Norton, district communications manager.

For over 40 years, Apollo has provided workforce development to thousands of adult and high school students. The training and programs offered, as well as the equipment and technology used, has changed dramatically since the doors opened to the first classes.

“This is an opportunity for the community, adult and high school students interested in enrolling, alumni, and current students, to see, explain, and showcase the value of having a training facility like Apollo in the Allen County area,” Dukes-Norton said.

Apollo instructors and students will showcase their skills to the public, but the public will also be able to learn through various, demonstrations, how-to sessions, and simulations provided by instructors and current students.

Attendees will have the chance to win a three night, two-person stay in Chicago. Anyone 18 and over is eligible for the drawing (excluding Apollo staff and immediate family). In addition to the trip giveaway, other prizes have been donated for prospective high school and adult students to win.

“We are fortunate to have strong community partnerships that have donated great giveaways to make the evening even more exciting,” said Dukes-Norton.

According to Apollo Superintendent Keith Horner, many alumni have inquired about coming back and re-connecting with Apollo, classmates and instructors.

This event allows Apollo graduates to do that, and also gives them an opportunity to see how their programs have changed since they attended, particularly since the large renovation and construction project is complete.

The addition of the virtual reality technology and robotics has really brought Apollo to the forefront of innovation.

“The concept of planning Apollopalooza to enable the public to Choose, Connect, and Celebrate has developed out of the many visitors to Apollo who, after seeing the programs, the students being trained, the services offered, and the high-caliber certified instructors teaching, state that Apollo Career Center is the ‘best kept secret’ in Allen County,” said Superintendent Horner.

“To our graduates and current students, business partners, employers, fire, police, and EMT departments, the high quality training Apollo provides is no secret. Apollopalooza is an opportunity to let everyone see and experience the quality for themselves.”

Apollo Career Center’s high school and adult programs, along with career and technical education in general are a strong force that contributes to the well-being of the local, regional, and state economy.

“Career and technical education affords high school students an opportunity to be work and college ready, graduating with industry certifications and credentials, college credit, and hands-on experience in their chosen field,” said Horner.  

“For adults, displaced, unemployed, or looking for a career change or skill upgrade, Apollo Workforce Education provides an opportunity to change a career path in a minimal amount of time, for a minimal amount of money, something that is critical in today’s economy.”

To learn more about the specific activities at Apollopalooza, including an Alumni VIP Room, Biggby Coffee, helpful seminars and how-to sessions, hands-on activities, and so much more visit ApolloCareerCenter.com or connect with Apollo on social media.