Drake University Camp Turns Middle Schoolers into Entrepreneurs for a Day 

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Registration is open for Drake University’s inaugural Youth Entrepreneurship Day. The new program will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and is designed for students entering sixth through eighth grade.  

Hosted by the Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the one-day experience gives middle school students a hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship from Drake staff. Students will identify a real-world problem, map a business model, and pitch their ideas to peers and instructors. 

“Middle school students have an incredible sense of curiosity and creativity,” said Alanah Mitchell, Dean of the Zimpleman College of Business at Drake. “This new camp gives students an opportunity to channel their natural energy into real-world skills. We want to show these students that they don’t have to wait until they’re adults to solve big problems—their ideas matter right now.” 

Drake is hosting the Youth Entrepreneurship Day Camp in Aliber Hall, 2847 University Avenue, Des Moines. The program begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $75 per camper, and lunch is included. Space is limited, and families are encouraged to register their children by Saturday, June 27.