Winners Announced for 51ÁÔÆæ’s Extreme Makeover: College Edition
Congratulations to Jennifer Hoodjer of Allison and Marianel Lovrien of Charles City—they are the winners of 51ÁÔÆæ’s Extreme Makeover: College Edition! Each will receive free 51ÁÔÆæ tuition, plus textbooks and more, for the 2025–26 school year.Jennifer Hoodjer shared her excitement and gratitude, saying that winning this opportunity means more than she […]
July 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Mike & Angie Lester of Winan Creek Barn as the July 2025 Entrepreneur of the MonthThe 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Mike and Angie Lester of Winan Creek Barn in Clear Lake, IA as the July 2025 Entrepreneurs of the […]
51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Hosts Youth Entrepreneurial Academy
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) on June 16th-20th. YEA is a free one-week academic camp sponsored by the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, and is offered annually to all North Iowa high school students interested in entrepreneurship. Each participant receives a $500 51ÁÔÆæ scholarship sponsored […]
Extreme Makeover: Win a Free Year of College at 51ÁÔÆæ
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) invites adults, ages 23 and up, to apply for an Extreme Makeover: College Edition – a unique makeover that changes lives. 51ÁÔÆæ has been providing adult students with this opportunity to return to college at no cost, for more than 18 years.Extreme Makeover: College Edition is a contest where two […]
June 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Hallie Erdahl of Georgette Bridal as the June 2025 Entrepreneur of the MonthMASON CITY, IOWA – The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Hallie Erdahl of Georgette in Clear Lake, IA as the June 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.Georgette is a […]
51ÁÔÆæ to Launch Introductory Online ESL Class This Summer
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is excited to announce a new introductory English as a Second Language (ESL) class launching this summer. This free course is designed for individuals at all English skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and will be delivered online to offer greater flexibility and access.The class will run from July […]
51ÁÔÆæ Unveils 2025-2026 Performing Arts & Leadership Series
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025-2026 Performing Arts & Leadership Series, featuring an extraordinary lineup of national touring shows and performances. This season promises a rich blend of entertainment, bringing world-class acts to the heart of Iowa. Nestled in a convenient rural location right off the interstate […]
51ÁÔÆæ to Launch New Aviation Professional Pilot AAS Degree in Fall 2025
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is excited to announce the launch of its new Aviation Professional Pilot Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree, set to begin in the fall of 2025. This innovative program will provide students with the knowledge and hands-on training needed for successful careers in the aviation industry.The program, which will […]
Local Entrepreneurs Gain World-Class Business Training with the GoldmanSachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
Kian Gibson of Hampton, IA graduated from the prestigious GoldmanSachs 10,000 Small Businesses program as a member of the Spring 2025 cohort. Gibson is a jeweler at Christiansen Jewelry, a family-owned company that offers fine jewelry, gemstones and diamonds, giftware, watches, gold and silver bullion, design and repair services. Christiansen Jewelry was founded in 1960. […]
51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center to Host IDEA Camp for Middle School Students
One Day Summer Camp in Mason City, Charles City, and Forest CityThe 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center will hold the IDEA Camp for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in Summer 2025 at locations in Mason City, Charles City, and Forest City.IDEA Camp helps students practice some of life’s key components: innovation, discovery, entrepreneurship, and […]
May 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Molly Watson of Home Style as the May 2025 Entrepreneur of the MonthThe 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Molly Watson of Home Style in Mason City, IA as the May 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month.Mason City entrepreneur Molly Watson has […]
51ÁÔÆæ Announces 2025 Spring Term President’s List and Dean’s List
51ÁÔÆæ is pleased to announce that 966 individuals have been named to the 2025 Spring Term President’s List and Dean’s List. These students represent 99 Iowa communities, 11 states outside the state of Iowa, and 23 countries outside of the United States. Students are listed by hometown.NORTH IOWA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGEDEAN’S […]
51ÁÔÆæ Recognizes Over 700 Graduates at Commencement
At the three 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 2, nearly 760 graduates were recognized as earning nearly 1060 Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates during the 2024-2025 academic year. Several honors and awards were also presented. 51ÁÔÆæ’S Class of 2025 represents 11 countries, 13 states, and 104 Iowa communities.(*Midyear Graduate)Alden*Katie CearleyAlexanderLiliana […]
51ÁÔÆæ Student Caleb Renner Wins Top Prize at 2025 Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) student Caleb Renner was named one of the top three winners at the John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. The 2025 John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition was held on Friday, April 25, at the University of Iowa Pappajohn Education and Events Center in Des Moines. The final presentation […]
51ÁÔÆæ to Host 2025 Design Build Event for Area High School Students
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) will welcome teams from 13 area high schools to its campus for the highly anticipated Design Build competition. Each school will bring a team of four students for a day of hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and real-world skill-building.The competition will run from 9:15 a.m. […]