STUDENT SUCCESS

We’re with you. Our world needs problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and creative risk-takers to innovate with confidence in our communities. The Jacobson Institute works with educators, schools, and community members to provide opportunities for students to practice these future-ready skills.

We do this by offering resources that deliver, including: turn-key curriculum, professional development, and programming—all built on the research-driven expertise of the University of Iowa. 

The Jacobson Institute, named in honor of Richard O. Jacobson, is the K-12 outreach arm of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Iowa (Iowa JPEC). Since the formation of Iowa JPEC in 1996, a high priority has been placed on K-12 outreach as a way to connect early and often, and to help contribute to the development of the next generation of problems solvers. 

FUTURE-READY SKILLS

K–12 educators can enhance their teaching by integrating invention and entrepreneurship using curriculum and toolkits developed by the Jacobson Institute. Flexible and adaptable to fit any educator’s needs, resources like KidInnovator, BizInnovator Startup, and the Invent It Kit bring real-world relevance to the classroom.

Professional development opportunities are available for educators at every grade level, offering hands-on training to deepen their understanding and help them maximize the impact of the curriculum and tools provided. Depending on their focus—entrepreneurship or invention—they can participate in tailored training programs such as BizInnovator Startup or Sprint to Invent.

The Jacobson Institute’s offerings go beyond educators—students also gain valuable experiences. Programs like the Iowa Invention Convention (a statewide initiative with national advancement opportunities), the Innovator Competition (a national contest offering cash prizes to high school students), and DesignDash (a statewide event where students solve real-world challenges with guidance from educators and community mentors) provide students with platforms to apply and showcase their future-ready skills.