Mason City Hosts Free Youth Entrepreneurial Academy This June at NIACC

The North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center will host the Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) from June 3 to June 7, 2024, in Mason City, Iowa. This event, now in its 27th year, teaches entrepreneurial skills to high school students. The academy ends with a pitch presentation on June 11, where students compete for seed money.

Thanks to funding from the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, the YEA is free for all students. Participants also receive a $500 scholarship to NIACC after completing the program. Students have the option to stay on the NIACC campus or receive gas cards for travel expenses.

Throughout the week, students will participate in activities to improve their entrepreneurial skills. They will network with local entrepreneurs, visit businesses, and attend workshops on finance, marketing, and communication. The program helps students apply their interests and skills in entrepreneurship.

A key feature of the YEA is the pitch competition on June 11. Students will present their business ideas to a panel of judges and compete for $500 in seed money.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.