The NIACC Pappajohn Center recently held two IDEA Camp events in Mason City and Charles City. The Mason City IDEA Camp took place Tuesday June 24 on the NIACC campus. The Charles City IDEA Camp took place Wednesday July 2 at the NIACC Career Center - Charles City.
A total of 14 students from across North Iowa attended IDEA Camp this summer. Students seized the opportunity to put into practice life’s key skills: innovation, discovery, entrepreneurship, and achievement. This hands-on program guides young innovators through the essential stages of business creation, from brainstorming ideas to crafting a solid business model. During the day, students learned the key principles of entrepreneurship, created a business plan, and presented their business in a Pitch Competition.
Mason City IDEA Camp Winning Teams:
- Corbin Uhde, Elliott Summerfield and Parker Pals
- Anya Hardee
- Gabe Elmore and Devin Dettmer
- Runners Up: Will Phillips and Elliott Summerfield
Charles City IDEA Camp Winning Teams:
- Bennett Jung, Vivienne Rafkin, and Grady Rottinghaus
- Merron Murray
- Runners Up: Cameron Lessin, Laker Kubik, Blair Walker, Max Schmidt, and Hazel Hansen
IDEA Camp is one of many youth entrepreneurship initiatives at the NIACC Pappajohn Center. Raegan Hanson, NIACC Pappajohn Center Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator, said “Teaching entrepreneurship is an investment in our students – the entrepreneurial mindset drives innovation, fuels economic growth, and empowers the next generation to turn bold ideas into lasting impact. When young minds learn to think like entrepreneurs, they build the skills and confidence to redefine what’s possible and shape the future.”
