NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center to Host IDEA Camp for Middle School Students

Registration is now open for the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center’s premiere youth program for North Iowa middle school students. IDEA Camp is designed for 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students, and will be held in Summer 2026 at locations in Clear Lake and Charles City.  

IDEA Camp helps students practice some of life’s key components: innovation, discovery, entrepreneurship, and achievement. This hands-on program guides young innovators through the essential stages of business creation, from brainstorming ideas to crafting a solid business model. Whether students come with a business idea in mind or need help discovering one, our camp provides the tools and support needed to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.

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!

IDEA Camp Summer 2026 Dates and Locations:

         Tuesday, July 7 – NIACC Career Center, Charles City, IA

                     Sponsored by First Citizens Bank

         Thursday, July 9 – Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake, IA

                     Sponsored by Bank Iowa

Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm

Cost: $25 (lunch included) 

Links to registration are included with this story on our station website.

Register at https://www.niacccamps.com/idea-camp.cfm. For more information, please contact Raegan Hanson, Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator at the NIACC Pappajohn Center, at raegan.hanson@niacc.edu. Learn more about IDEA Camp at www.pappajohncenter.com/idea-camp/