Register High School Students for Business Horizons 2023

May 8, 2023 | Iowa’s Construction Industry Sees Opportunities and Challenges Kendall Antle, Programs & Engagement Coordinator, ABI Foundation, kantle@iowaabi.org

Business Horizons, a program of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation, enables Iowa high school students to confidently forge connections between concepts learned in the classroom through real-world application. The program combines hands-on, entrepreneurial experiences with team-oriented challenges to demonstrate how business and leadership skills are applicable to any career interest. 

“This program has given me a broader understanding of business and industry,” said Nyalib Chambang, a student at Storm Lake High School and 2022 participant. “The program challenged me to always be open to different perspectives.” When asked what was one unique component of the program she was grateful for, Chambang commended all the volunteers and sponsors. “One thing everyone should know about Business Horizons is that it is an investment in shaping the future of our state’s youth.” 

Everyone has something to gain from Business Horizons. Along with a new network of friends and mentors, students leave equipped with a renewed sense of confidence in their next steps. 

“I started exploring different colleges and career choices around the same time I attended Business Horizons as a student,” said Brooke Seeliger, a student at Southeast Polk High School, 2021 participant, and 2022 student ambassador - a small group of peer mentors who return to the program a second year. “At first I didn’t think there were opportunities for me here in Iowa; however, this program widened my scope and showcased the endless array of possibilities for my future in Iowa.” When asked why she returned a second year to serve as an ambassador, Seeliger credited the mentorship and compassion exhibited by her student ambassadors. “I wanted to help future students reach their full potential and gain the same level of understanding about the opportunities that exist in Iowa as I did.” 

Regardless of career interests, Business Horizons provides future-ready knowledge and transferable skillsets. 

“This program taught me lessons I wouldn’t have learned in a traditional classroom setting,” said Jacob Kurt, 2018 participant, 2019 student ambassador, and now a program volunteer. “Even if students choose not to go into something business-related, they’re still learning skills at Business Horizons that they’ll continue using every day in their own careers.” When asked why he continues to volunteering each year, Kurt noted the importance of paying it forward. “As a student I didn’t immediately notice the benefits, but fast forward to this very day I’ll tell you how much I draw back on Business Horizons and use those experiences in my career development.”