Iowa’s young talent has been leaving the state for decades, but the “baby boomerang” gave Iowa employers a sense of peace. Iowans know leaving students will return to start a family. But that’s no longer happening. Anna Mable, of Association of Business and Industry asks why Iowa employers are ignoring a proven solution.
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As ABI’s Workforce Programs & Engagement Coordinator, Mable leads a weeklong business camp here in Iowa called Business Horizons. You’ve probably heard of it before, but what you do know is the camp’s proven track record of keeping young talent in the state. Many employers actually recruit high school seniors directly into their future workforce from the camp itself. So why are some employers and communities overlooking them?
Learn more on Business Horizons:
Business Horizons is a premier weeklong summer program designed for Iowa high school students (grades 9-12) to immerse them in the world of entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.
It is organized by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation and functions like a “business boot camp” where students from across the state collaborate to solve real-world problems.
What Happens at Business Horizons?
The program is built around an intensive Innovation Simulation. Students are divided into teams (called “industries”) and tasked with:
- Creating a Business: Developing an original product or service from scratch.
- Competitions: Pitching their ideas to a panel of “investors,” creating an infomercial, and presenting at a public trade show.
- Professional Mentoring: Working alongside Iowa business leaders and “Business Advisors” who guide them through the week.
- Skills Building: Attending workshops on financial literacy, marketing, AI, and project management.
- College Prep: Experiencing life on a college campus and, in many cases, earning transferable college credits just for participating.
When Did It Start?
Business Horizons held its inaugural year in 1984.
As of 2026, the program is celebrating its 43rd year of operation. Since its inception, more than 5,000 students have gone through the program, many of whom have returned as volunteers or become business leaders within the state of Iowa.
2026 Program Details
If you or someone you know is looking to participate this year, here are the current details:
- Dates: July 19–23, 2026.
- Location: Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa.