Entrepreneurship
Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Douglas County, in partnership with Network Kansas, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and K-State Research and Extension, is proud to support the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) program. Douglas County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a locally organized event designed to give junior and high school age students a hands-on entrepreneurship experience.
The annual competition consists of students preparing a written business plan, an elevator pitch, a presentation and trade show display. Students compete against each other for $3,000 in prize money. The students’ work is judged by local entrepreneurs, teachers and community leaders. During past competitions, students have pitched businesses that offer swimming lessons, resale clothing, jewelry, baked goods and pet sitting.
The 2017/2018 school year was the first year Douglas County brought this competition to the community with a goal of exposing Douglas County high school students to entrepreneurship. The annual Network Kansas YEC series culminates in a statewide championship, where the top students from each local competition face off against each other for prize money and other honors. The statewide championship is typically held in April at Kansas State University.
Douglas County’s YEC is open to students who are in grades 6 through 12 and reside in Douglas County.
Next YEC Challenge
The next Douglas County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge will be on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center. If you are interested in sponsoring, participating or competing in the event - or just want to learn more - please fill out our interest form.
Photos from Past Challenges
