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

Full Day Program on Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2026

The North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center will hold the IDEA Camp for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students on Presidents’ Day, Monday February 16, 2026. The camp will run 8:30am to 3:30pm. Check-in begins at 8am. The camp will be held at the Pappajohn Center Room #117 at the North Iowa Area Community College campus in Mason City, IA.

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!

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 641-422-4234 or raegan.hanson@niacc.edu. 

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is the expert in rural business innovation and success. In partnership with North Iowa’s Small Business Development Center, together we provide tools, support, and resources to Iowa’s entrepreneurs. We counsel both new and existing local businesses, from Main Street to industry leaders. We’re growing Iowa’s entrepreneurial culture through grade school initiatives, college and community programs, and business training and development. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu. Visit the NIACC Pappajohn Center online at www.pappajohncenter.com.

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The mission of North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is to enrich lives through comprehensive educational opportunities, a commitment to learner success, community engagement, and leadership. Founded in 1918, NIACC is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa, serving approximately 3,000 career and transfer students each year. Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the nation’s leading community colleges, NIACC is where futures are found. Start your journey today at https://www.niacc.edu/apply-mkt/. Future, Found.