They brainstormed ideas, refined business plans, resolved disagreements, and mastered time management—all in less than eight hours. It was, in every sense, another successful DesignDash, spearheaded by the Jacobson Institute, the K-12 arm of the University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. 

The third and final DesignDash of the fall semester took place on Nov. 25 in the Pappajohn Business Building, drawing a record 107 students from 11 high schools. Since its inception in April 2022, the program has grown in popularity, making stops across Iowa and engaging more students each season. This fall alone, DesignDash cohorts in Cedar Falls, Des Moines, and Iowa City hosted 265 students from 29 high schools. 

Through this fast-paced, one-day entrepreneurial experience, the Jacobson Institute introduces high school students and educators to the fundamentals of business problem-solving. Working in teams, participants collaborate with entrepreneurs and industry experts to tackle real-world challenges using innovative solutions.

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