The Jacobson Institute at the University of Iowa is the creator of STEM Innovator® and BizInnovator® professional development and curricula for K-12 teachers. We help teachers infuse innovation and entrepreneurship into the classroom through our training, which is built on the research expertise of the University of Iowa and aligned with national education standards. We believe strongly that devel
opment of 21st Century Skills is critical to the success of today's students and our communities. To that end, our training equips teachers to craft the innovation model that works for their school and their community. These models connect students with community business/industry partners to work on real-world problems. These experiences expand students' skills and introduce them to the concepts of entrepreneurship. In addition, the Jacobson Institute holds the national Innovator Competition twice a year for high school students. Finalists pitch their ideas or inventions to our panel of judges, and winners are awarded seed capital -- up to $1500. Through the Jacobson Institute's Innovator Competition, more than $100,000 in seed capital has been awarded to high school students. In Iowa, the Jacobson Institute also offers summer Entrepreneur Camps for elementary and middle school children. The camps introduce the concepts of entrepreneurship in a fun, day camp setting. The Jacobson Institute is a part of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, which has provided K-12 outreach since 1996.
