Waukee APEX (Aspiring Professional Experience) is an educational program established in 2014 within the Waukee Community School District in Waukee, Iowa. The program offers high school students authentic professional experiences through partnerships with local businesses and organizations. APEX operates on a model that combines classroom learning with real-world business environments. The program is housed in a dedicated 60,000-square-foot facility known as the Waukee Innovation & Learning Center (WILC), which opened in 2016. APEX offers various professional pathways including technology, engineering, bioscience, business, and finance. Students participate in hands-on projects, working directly with business partners to solve real industry challenges. APEX’s curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and workforce development. Students attend the program for part of their school day and receive high school credit while gaining professional skills and industry exposure. The program emphasizes professional skill development, including business communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Notable features of APEX include its associate model, where students are treated as young professionals, and its strong network of business partnerships throughout the Greater Des Moines area. The program has been recognized as an innovative educational model and has influenced similar programs in other school districts.