An Exciting Opportunity For Student Entrepreneurs


What	The NIACC Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) is a fun opportunity for North Iowa high school students to learn about starting a business and becoming a boss. Students will transform ideas and passions into a viable business plan. In 2026, YEA will be a hybrid, two-week experience incorporating two in-person sessions, online classroom, and virtual meetings, designed to work around the lives of today's busy teens. YEA culminates with a Pitch Night Competition on Tuesday June 30, 2026 where every student has the opportunity to win seed money for their business idea. YEA is free to participants thanks of the generous financial support from the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation. Every participant will receive a $500 NIACC scholarship.
When	Monday June 15 - Friday June 26 \| 8:30am-4:00pm + Tuesday June 30 - Pitch Competition \| 5:30pm-8:30pm Additional details for session locations and schedules TBA.
Where	NIACC Pappajohn Center
Who	Current high school students
Details	Over 300 North Iowa students have participated in this program. Join in the interesting activities, insightful guest speakers, pitch competition and fun field trips!
Apply	Applications are available from your high school advisor, business teachers, or the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. Applications can be completed via an Online Application Form. Please feel free to contact us with any application questions or issues. Applications are due June 8, 2026 for priority deadline, or until program is full.

Want to learn more? Contact the Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111
or email Raegan.Hanson@NIACC.edu.

What is the Youth Entrepreneurial Academy?

The Youth Entrepreneurial Academy is a unique opportunity for motivated high school students. It’s designed to provide students with the fundamental skills to start a business and become an entrepreneur. The Youth Entrepreneurial Academy consists of several components including an evening orientation and a hybrid academy where students focus on the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes of entrepreneurship.

Upon successful completion of the Youth Entrepreneurial Academy, you will be awarded a $500 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy Scholarship if you choose to attend NIACC. This scholarship can also be used for summer or on-line classes at NIACC.

Application Procedure

1. Complete the Youth Entrepreneurial Academy application form online (if you require a paper application, please request one with raegan.hanson@niacc.edu)
2. The NIACC Pappajohn Center will notify you regarding your participation in the Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (typically in May)

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

Be a high school student
Plan to continue your education at a college or university after high school graduation
Have completed the Youth Entrepreneurial Academy student application form