The NIACC Pappajohn Center hosted two summer IDEA Camp experiences for North Iowa middle school students. IDEA Camp is for creative and ambitious middle school students who are eager to explore entrepreneurship, develop creative problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their ability to create and innovate. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and enthusiasm.
16 students attended the IDEA Camp sessions in Charles City (July 7) and Clear Lake (July 9). The students put into practice life’s key skills: innovation, discovery, entrepreneurship, and achievement. During the day, students learned the key principles of entrepreneurship, created a business plan, and presented their business in a Pitch Competition for the opportunity to win prizes.
Charles City IDEA Camp
- 1stPlace – Clean to the Dream, Thomas Hart (Central Springs Community School District)
- 2ndPlace – Health Helper, Valentina DeWalle (Osage Community Schools)
- 3rdPlace – The Olive Bowtique, Oli Corell (John Adams Middle School)
- 4thPlace – L&C Publishing, Cameron Lessin (Charles City Middle School) & Laker Kubik (Charles City Middle School)
Clear Lake IDEA Camp
- 1stPlace – Bake It, Clara Figy (Central Springs) & Kayleigh Heimdal (West Hancock Middle School)
- 2ndPlace (Tie) – Little City, Maliyah Vysocky (Clear Lake Community School District)
- 2ndPlace (Tie) – Lookout Fidgets, Ian Streit (St. Ansgar Middle School) & David Bradley (Newman Catholic)
- 3rdPlace – Lakeside Glam, Varissa Vysocky (Clear Lake Community School District)
- Honorable Mention – H Growth, Lillian Holmes (West Fork Middle School) & Joslynn Williams (Homeschooled-GHV)
- Honorable Mention – Cartoon Shelding Welding, Samson Williams (Homeschooled-GHV)
- Honorable Mention – First Base, Lexi Lahner (Clear Lake Community School District)
- Honorable Mention – God’s Lego World, Jonathan Williams (Homeschooled-GHV)
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.”
IDEA Camp will be held again in Spring 2027, with dates and locations still to be announced. For more information, please contact Raegan Hanson at 641-422-4234 or raegan.hanson@niacc.edu.
