Iowa High School Students Invited to Join State’s Premier Summer Innovation Experience

Iowa high school students (grades 9-12) are encouraged to register now for Iowa's premier statewide summer innovation program, Business Horizons, held July 13-17 at Drake University.

Participants will engage in immersive, hands-on entrepreneurial activities paired with collaborative challenges designed to strengthen their problem-solving, creativity, and leadership abilities. Working alongside peers from across Iowa, students will develop innovative business solutions to real-world problems and apply their skills in unique, team-based entrepreneurial competitions.

"Business Horizons turned a procrastinator into a success-hungry go-getter," said Wesley Rumbaugh, 2024 participant and student at Roosevelt High School. "It opened my eyes to a whole new line of work and the information gathered from my experience was invaluable."

Over the course of a powerful five-day experience, students will engage with industry leaders and participate in interactive workshops covering essential topics such as project management and AI technology. They'll explore career development through off-site business tours, gain firsthand exposure to Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem in collaboration with The Jacobson Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa, and hear from inspiring speakers, including renowned financial literacy advocate Adam Carroll of National Financial Educators. Participants may also qualify to earn three transferable college credits.

"Students often need encouragement from a parent, educator, or friend in order to take the leap to attend," says program director Jessi McQuerrey, "but by the end of the week, they don't want to leave. They accomplish more than they thought possible, gain renewed self-confidence, and meet new friends and mentors they'll stay in touch with for years to come. We see tremendous growth in our participants over the five days."

To register or learn more about the 2025 program, students should visit www.BusinessHorizonsIowa.com and click on "Register." The full program cost is $400, which includes all meals, lodging, activities, and program materials. Students who register by May 30 will receive $50 offthe registration fee. Need-based financial assistance is also available and can be requested directly through the online registration form.