The Jacobson Institute at the University of Iowa has received a $50,000 gift from RTX to support the Iowa Invention Convention, a statewide program that empowers K-12 students to turn their innovative ideas into real-world inventions.
This gift will help sponsor the state competition event hosted on campus, in Iowa City, April 11, 2026.
This partnership is part of RTX’s commitment to supporting the next generation of inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs through its national sponsorship of Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, held annually at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Michigan. As title sponsor of the national event, RTX helps promote innovation, creativity, and critical thinking in students across the country and now, across Iowa.
“Programs like Invention Convention play an important role in nurturing the creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills that will shape the future of our workforce,” said Kristy Becerra, RTX senior director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “That is why we support Invention Convention here in Iowa and across the country.”
RTX’s investment in Iowa includes dedicated funding to support the Iowa Invention Convention, run by the Jacobson Institute, the K-12 outreach arm of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Iowa. The program is open to all K-12 students in the state and serves as the state of Iowa’s official affiliate to the Invention Convention Worldwide network.
“Invention Convention gives young learners the tools, confidence, and opportunities to explore STEM, invention, and entrepreneurship in a hands-on, meaningful way,” said Dawn Bowlus, director, Jacobson Institute. “RTX’s support makes it possible for us to expand access and elevate invention education across the state.”
In addition to national-level support, RTX’s involvement extends to state-level sponsorships in areas where the company has significant operations, such as Iowa’s Collins Aerospace. This collaboration is part of a strategic effort to strengthen the STEM career pipeline by introducing students to innovation and invention at an early age—well before they make career decisions.
"The Henry Ford is proud to support state program affiliates like the Jacobson Institute at the University of Iowa by providing capacity-building services that help expand Invention Convention Worldwide to more educators and students," said Carolyn Ward, senior director of Learning Engagement, Outreach, and Impact at The Henry Ford.
About the Jacobson Institute
The Jacobson Institute supports educators and students nationwide too, with a variety of innovation-infused curriculum, such as BizInnovator Startup, KidInnovator, and Invent It Kit. These resources create a clear pathway from classroom learning to invention-based programs like Invention Convention.
Sprint to Invent professional development will be held on campus, in Iowa City, on Oct. 24 to support Iowa educators, homeschool families, and club mentors in participating in this year’s Iowa Invention Convention.
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