An Exciting Opportunity For Student Entrepreneurs

	Summer Entrepreneurship Academy
What	Youth Entrepreneurial Academy, aka YEA, is a fun opportunity to learn about starting your own business and begin creating wealth for yourself doing something you are passionate about. Learn the ins and outs of starting a business and becoming your own boss. Students will transform ideas and passions into a viable business plan. This academy is free to participants because of the generous financial support from the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation. Every participant will receive a $500 NIACC scholarship. At the end of YEA, students have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition and win seed money for their venture.
When	Monday June 15 - Friday June 19 \| 8:30am-4:00pm + Friday June 19 - Pitch Competition \| 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where	NIACC Pappajohn Center
Who	Current high school students
Details	Over 270 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 a motivated high school student like you. It’s designed to provide you with the fundamental skills to start your own business and become an entrepreneur. The Youth Entrepreneurial Academy consists of several components including an evening orientation and a 5 day academy in which you focus on the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes of entrepreneurship. The 5 day academy concludes with a Pitch Competition, where students can compete for cash prizes.

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