Start Something LAS Academy
Develop your big idea and change the world!
The Start Something LAS Academy is a 2-year experiential program that teaches the mindset of innovation, and how to apply it to solving tough challenges, impacting the world, or creating your own venture.
Whether you want to be part of the next generation of innovators producing big ideas or want to develop your own entrepreneurial endeavor, you can acquire the skills and mindset you need in the Start Something LAS Academy!
Start Something LAS Academy
The Start Something LAS Academy is now recruiting interested students for Cohort 6! Students interested in being a part of the Academy must attend an informational session meeting with Academy staff.
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Tyanna
Learn moreTyanna developed a business concept to create affordable and useful toys that enhance children’s learning and development.
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Logan
Learn moreLogan is part of a team that is developing sound-sensitive lights for band instruments.
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Aliya
Learn moreAliya created the first Assistance Dogs International-accredited service dog organization in Iowa.
The [Start Something LAS] Academy allowed me to grow as a person, making me go outside my bounds both personally and professionally.
An innovator in the making
The Start Something LAS Academy is designed for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) that are ready to explore innovation and entrepreneurship. The extensive range of majors within LAS makes it uniquely positioned to drive the cross-discipline collaboration, diverse perspectives, and open dialogue that is critical to cultivating a mindset of innovation.
Participants must be enrolled in an LAS major to participate in the Academy. This innovative program begins in the fall of each year and lasts four semesters, culminating in a collaboration with your own mentor. You’ll earn one to two credits each semester depending on the path you choose.
Students involved in the Start Something LAS Academy are also eligible for several competitive financial award opportunities that recognize creativity, progress, and impact throughout the program experience.
Year 1: learning skills and applying them to identifying and developing your big idea!
Year 2: implementing your idea and taking it to the next level as you work with your own personal mentor!
Key outcomes include:
- The ability to identify and develop impactful ideas that provide a clear value
- Being comfortable navigating the ambiguity and uncertainty of innovation
- A collaborative mindset where you are excited about working with others
- A commitment to an iterative process, where you remain curious and you’re not afraid to fail
Ready to develop the skills and mindset needed by future innovators, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs?
