LIMA — The interest in learning for high school students is on the rise. Apollo Career Center Superintendent Keith Horner said enrollment at the center has increased from 720 to 930 students in the past few years. The Allen County Commissioners toured the center Monday afternoon to learn more about their center and coming expansion.
“Since 2012 or 2013 the high school enrollment has increased 50%,” Horner said. “It was growing when I arrived and continues to grow. That is a tribute to everyone seeing the value and what it can do for kids.”
Horner also said there are 11 “feeder” schools across the region where the students originate. The program does have open enrollment. Last year, Horner said the center accepted students from 30 different schools.
“You have a great team here and what you do,” Allen County Commissioner Cory Noonan said. “What I appreciate most is that there is a need (for the students and program).”
The program offers career pathways for high school students and adults as well. Apollo also offers courses to teach individuals English and prepare them for the workforce.
“We run three ESL classes a day,” Tara Shepherd said. “We have over 27 countries represented. We have seen that enrollment go from a solid 30 in each class to 97 people — a lot of them are professionals in their own right. They just have language barriers or some have identified they need a basic skill but English skills must come first — it is just helping those students across that line.”
In just a couple of weeks, the center will expand its tent pegs. Currently, Apollo has room for a safety services program. Horner said the new building at Apollo will house the safety services programs and potentially make room for paramedic courses.
“Fire, Police and Truck driving (in the new building),” Horner said. “That will be three programs that will be out there. We hope to be done in about a year.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
