51ÁÔÆæ Celebrates Community College Month
This April, 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) joins colleges nationwide in celebrating Community College Month (#CCMonth), highlighting the essential role community and technical colleges play in powering America’s workforce and expanding economic opportunity. #CCMonth is an annual grassroots campaign to bring attention to the value and importance of community colleges led by the Association of […]
Applications Now Open for the 2026 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
The 2026 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. The annual statewide competition will award a total of $100,000 in cash prizes to early-stage Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures that intend to scale operations in Iowa. The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition contest is intended to encourage and promote entrepreneurial […]
North Iowa Entrepreneurs Compete in Spring 2026 Venture School Launch Day Competition
$4000 in Prizes Awarded to Local EntrepreneursThe 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the University of Iowa Venture School Launch Day competition on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The 51ÁÔÆæ Spring 2026 Venture School cohort competed in person after attending classes virtually for 7 weeks of training, customer discovery, and developing their business model alongside local […]
51ÁÔÆæ Alumnus Gilman Anderson to be Honored Guest, Keynote Speaker for Upcoming Pathways to Success Program
The public is invited to attend the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association’s annual Pathways to Success event on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The event is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. in the North Iowa Community Auditorium on campus.The 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association hosts Pathways to Success annually to honor accomplished alumni and to recognize a select group […]
March 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Stephanie Lorenson of North Iowa Wellness Clinic as the March 2026 Entrepreneur of the MonthThe 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Stephanie Lorenson of North Iowa Wellness Clinic in Lake Mills, Iowa as the March 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month.With more […]
51ÁÔÆæ awarded $1 million to expand career academy opportunities
$1 million each was awarded to 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ), Northwest Iowa Community College, and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges; $776,655 awarded to Des Moines Area Community CollegeFour Iowa community colleges, including 51ÁÔÆæ, have been awarded nearly $4 million in competitive grants through the state’s Career Academy Incentive Fund to empower more students with […]
HSE and ESL classes coming to North Iowa in March
51ÁÔÆæ to Offer High School Equivalency (HSE) Classes Beginning in March51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) will offer a new session of High School Equivalency (HSE) classes beginning in March at multiple locations across North Iowa.Orientation and intake for the March session will begin March 16. Students must complete orientation and required testing prior to […]
Registration Opens for 51ÁÔÆæ Career Center – Franklin County
For most high school students, the question isn’t if they want to build a successful future – it’s how to get started.Now, students across the region have a new answer.Registration is officially open for the 51ÁÔÆæ Career Center – Franklin County, giving high school students the opportunity to earn college credentials while completing their high school diploma, at no […]
51ÁÔÆæ Launches “Let’s Light ’Em Up” Campaign to Elevate Trojan Athletics and Serve the Region
When the lights come on at 51ÁÔÆæ, they represent more than competition, they represent pride, opportunity, and community. Today, 51ÁÔÆæ officially launches the “Let’s Light ’Em Up” campaign, a strategic initiative designed to enhance athletic facilities and expand opportunities for student athletes while creating venues that will serve communities across the region.Momentum is […]
February 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Jesus Juarez of Reserve 173 Bar & Grill as the February 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Jesus Juarez of Reserve 173 Bar & Grill in Clear Lake, IA as the February 2026 Entrepreneur of the […]
North Iowa Students Compete at 51ÁÔÆæ Everyday Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The Everyday Entrepreneur Program is sponsored in conjunction with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), helping to provide access to entrepreneurial education and funding for students to take their businesses from an idea to a thriving […]
51ÁÔÆæ JPEC Hosts IDEA Camp for Middle School Students
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center held IDEA Camp for middle school students on Presidents’ Day, Monday February 16, 2026. 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 […]
Joel Pedersen Named Phi Theta Kappa Paragon President Honoree
Joel Pedersen, President of 51ÁÔÆæ, has been named a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Paragon President Honoree. President Pedersen will be recognized during PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual international convention.The Phi Theta Kappa Paragon President recognition celebrates college leaders who demonstrate a strong and immediate connection to student success by prioritizing […]
51ÁÔÆæ to Host Adult Education & Literacy Open House Events Across North Iowa
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) will host Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) Open House events across North Iowa, providing adults with an opportunity to explore free education and training options. These events are designed to help adults explore education and training opportunities that support personal, academic, and career goals.During each open house, attendees can […]
North Iowans Join 51ÁÔÆæ Foundation Board of Directors
The 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) Foundation is proud to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors: David Moore and Bradley Miller. David Moore Born and raised in Mason City, Dave is a graduate of Mason City High School, 51ÁÔÆæ, and the University of Minnesota. He holds funeral director licenses in […]





