The NIACC Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) is a unique opportunity for North Iowa high school students to learn about entrepreneurship and becoming a boss. Students will transform ideas and passions into a viable business plan. In 2026, YEA will be a hybrid-model, two-week experience incorporating two in-person sessions, online classroom, and virtual meetings, designed to work around the lives of today's busy teens. Students will attend in-person one day per week at the location of their choice. 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 also receive a $500 NIACC scholarship.
Date and Time
Monday Jun 15, 2026 Tuesday Jun 30, 2026
Monday June 15 - Friday June 26 | 9:30am-3:30pm + Tuesday June 30 - Pitch Competition | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location
In-Person Days: Mondays June 15 & 22 - Charles City Tuesdays June 16 & 23 - Sheffield Wednesdays June 17 & 24 - Northwood Thursdays June 18 & 25 - Clear Lake Fridays June 19 & 26 - Open office hours and meeting times available
Fees/Admission
Free
Contact Information
Raegan Hanson
Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator
NIACC Pappajohn Center
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