After a fulfilling season that saw some of Iowa’s most promising young minds take the national stage in Washington, D.C., the Future City Iowa competition is officially returning to the Iowa State University College of Engineering for the 2026-2027 season. This year, the challenge hits home with the critical, timely
When 6-year-old Jamie Popper was asked what her ideal pet would be, she responded with, “I want a dog that stays small.” Since declaring that initial childhood dream, Jamie has evolved into a “big dog” in the pet industry, establishing herself as a top expert in canine fitness, training, and
As summer shifted into high gear, a quiet transformation took place inside the classrooms of Coe College and across the streets of Cedar Rapids. From June 22–26, a dynamic group of local middle schoolers stepped away from video games and social media feeds to peek behind the digital curtain. They
NewBoCo Education Engages Over 500 Participants Through Summer CoderDojo Programs From flying drones to creating algorithm art, students experienced technology in exciting and new ways. These programs were made possible thanks to strong community partnerships and dedicated mentors who recognized the potential in making STEM accessible and enjoyable to all.
Hello, NewBoCo friends! I’m excited to introduce myself as NewBoCo’s K–12 Student Program Coordinator, a role I began in early June. I support our education team by coordinating engaging STEM opportunities for students across Iowa and connecting youth with hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity! This summer has
This guest blog was written by Fatima Torres, a Girls Who Code participant. To learn more about her journey, check out NewBoCo: From Club to Hackathon – A Student’s Journey to Empower Peers Through Tech. When I was a kid, I encountered the harsh discouragement of entering areas where people
Mari Hunt Wassink is the founder of Black Earth Gardens, a local farm that specializes in producing—using sustainable practices—premium quality vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are culturally important to Black communities in Eastern Iowa. They grow over 30 varieties, including okra, turnip greens, collards, mustard greens, and specialty hot peppers,
NewBoCo’s Computer Science Development WeekBuilding Confidence, Curriculum, and Community in Computer Science Education Ames, Iowa — 06/27/2025 — The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc. (NewBoCo) is thrilled to be leading K-12 educators, from rural and urban schools throughout Iowa in the annual Computer Science Development Week. The event will be
The EntreFEST Pitch Competition, presented by Hy-Vee, brought together community leaders, founders, investors, and supporters at Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids on June 13th, 2025, to hear from five entrepreneurs and their solutions to real-world problems. Out of over 40 applicants, the five finalists for 2025 were: Black Earth
Cedar Rapids, Iowa — After a two-year hiatus, the Iowa Startup Accelerator is officially returning this fall with a renewed focus on helping Iowa-based startups sharpen their branding, marketing, and sales strategies. Applications for the seven-week program—set to begin in September—are now open and will be accepted through August 15.
