Next-Gen Innovators Take the Stage at Business Horizons

Summer is wrapping up and so are the ABI Foundation programs including the 42nd Business Horizons at Drake University. More than 60 students from 37 high schools spent the week building entrepreneurial solutions, learning from business leaders, forming lasting friendships, and earning three transferable college credits through the Jacobson Institute at the University of Iowa. Working in teams, students tackled real-world challenges by developing business ventures, pitching ideas to judges, creating infomercials, and showcasing their work at a trade show for peers, families, and local professionals.

Many of the student business ideas focused on connecting their peers with valuable opportunities like internships, part-time jobs, summer camps, and clubs. Industry B earned the “Best Pitch” award for their website, NextSumr, designed to help high school students easily find and register for summer experiences. Industry C developed a portable projector that allows users to take notes on the go. Catch a full recap of the program and watch the team infomercials at www.youtube.com/BusinessHorizons

“[Business Horizons] has shown me how to take leadership in things and having the confidence to speak my mind,” shared Avery C. of Des Moines Christian High School. After completing the program, students left Business Horizons equipped to face new challenges and are more confident in their decisions and future goals.

Throughout the week 70+ volunteers took part in creating the success of the program with the support from sponsors like Collins Aerospace, an RTX Company, Atlantic Bottling Company, Emerson, Grinnell Mutual, Wellmark and many more. Visit BusinessHorizonsIowa.com for the list of all of our sponsors who make this possible.

Leadership Iowa University Continues to Keep Students in Iowa

Last month, 20 college students and interns came together to explore leadership, build their networks, and discover why Iowa is a great place to live. Over five days, participants from across the state joined the ABI Foundation team to tour local businesses, engage with professionals and industry leaders, and uncover the opportunities available right in their own backyard.

The group took a behind the scenes look at Iowa’ thriving communities. With the support of many volunteers, participants had the chance to connect with local leaders and ask candid, insider questions about business and leadership.

“I feel more confident in my strengths, my role as a leader, and my place in Iowa. I’m not sure what’s next after graduation, but I know that wherever I go, my time at Leadership Iowa University will have played a big role in getting me there,” said Grant Ward, a senior at St. Ambrose University.

With the help of our sponsors like the Emerson, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Grinnell Mutual, the Iowa Soybean Association, Pella Corporation and many more, this program helped participants to attend at little or no cost.

To see the list of sponsors for the 2025 program and photos from the week, visit LeadershipIowaUniversity.com.