Successful Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge events were held in Smith, Logan and Osborne counties during the 2024-25 school year, with students going on to compete and win at the state level.

The events engaged a broad range of students, encouraged entrepreneurial thinking, and created opportunities for hands-on learning and business development. Each event gives students firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, helping them build key life skills such as public speaking, problem-solving, and goal setting.

At Smith Center High School, 25 middle and high school students participated, representing 21 business concepts. At Lakeside High School in Osborne, 13 students competed with a total of eight business entries. At Oakley High, three students presented two business concepts and one existing business.

Though the Oakley event was small, the impact was significant. Maddox Hubert, presenting Aspire 3D, advanced from the local competition to become a finalist at the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC) in Manhattan in April. His success highlights the depth of talent in even the smallest events and underscores the value of creating these opportunities for students across rural Kansas.

Interest in hosting a similar event is growing in Russell and Trego counties. A Hansen foundation grant allows area schools to participate in the program at minimal cost. Currently, 20 Hansen area counties are actively involved in YEC: Cheyenne, Cloud, Ellis, Ellsworth, Graham, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Mitchell, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rooks, Saline, Sherman, Smith, and Thomas.