Apollo Career Center will hold its second ApolloPalooza on February 11, 2014, 5:30-7 p.m., to kick-off National Career and Technical Education Month. ApolloPalooza will showcase both the high school and adult education programs. 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 35 years, Apollo has provided workforce development to thousands of adult and high school students in a 610 square mile district. The training and programs offered, as well as the equipment and technology used, has changed dramatically since the first classes.

“This is an opportunity for the community, adult and high school students interested in attending, 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 offered. It will also be the last chance for many to see the facilities before renovations begin in the spring.

Apollo instructors and students will showcase their skills to the public, and the public will also be able to learn through various seminars, 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 courtesy of Clear Channel. Those 18 and over are eligible for the drawing (excluding Apollo staff and immediate family). In addition to the trip giveaway, Droid tablets have been donated for prospective high school and adult students to win, if they enroll in one of the high school or adult education classes.
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According to Dukes-Norton, 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 programs have changed since they attended.

“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 Apollo Superintendent Judy Wells. “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, contribute 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,” stated Superintendent Wells.  “For adults who are 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, a live broadcast from KISS 93.9, free Biggby coffee, snacks, and helpful seminars and how-to sessions, visit apollocareercenter.com, call 419.998.2947, or “Like us” on Facebook.