The APEX program in Waukee is excited to announce their host site partnership with Strategic America, in West Des Moines. The Waukee Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) program was created to give students access to business professionals in the Des Moines metro. Through this collaboration of education, business, and the community, the program develops highly skilled, adaptable, global innovators and leaders. A foundation of the program is that students spend time working in host sites for the majority of their class time. Businesses that open their doors to APEX students are invaluable as they add authenticity to the program by offering opportunities for students to work alongside successful professionals. Students see first-hand what it takes to work in an office environment, with deadlines, discovery meetings, and real-world client projects.
John Schreurs, CEO, shakes hands with Waukee APEX student associates.
“Strategic America has been a partner with the APEX program since its inception. They have been a valuable curriculum partner and an expert resource for us for the past three years. We are excited to take this next step with them as a host site, and we appreciate their continued support of the program,” said Michelle Hill, APEX Director.
Strategic America, founded in 1980, is Iowa’s largest independent advertising agency, employing more than 100 associates.
Lisa Holtorf, Vice President of Operations and Integration is excited to begin working closely with APEX student associates. She stated, “Strategic America believes in giving back to the community by engaging future generations.”
Waukee APEX student associates that are enrolled in Developing Web-Based Technologies class are thrilled at the opportunity to soak up as much knowledge as possible through their time at the agency.
“We are so excited to be here! This is an awesome opportunity to learn more about this field and interact with the professionals here at Strategic America. This is an opportunity that most high school students do not get to experience,” stated senior Caitlyn Grow.
Lisa Holtorf, Vice President of Operations and Integration, welcomes APEX student associates, on their first day at Strategic America.
What do APEX students hope to learn from this opportunity? “I want to learn how to apply computer programming skills to real-world problems,” stated senior, Nihad Dedic.
Student associates are not the only ones hoping to learn a thing or two. “We are expecting to learn just as much from them, as they learn from us. We cannot wait to see what these young professionals contribute – it’s the whole idea of teaching the teacher,” said Lisa Holtorf.