Imagine...career technical education and entrepreneurship programming developed for youth by youth.

SHIPHT: Advancing Opportunity in Career & Technical Education & Entrepreneurship

SHIPHT is here, and we are activating the next generation of high opportunity leaders with Career & Technical Education (CTE) and business pathways to prepare them for the critical roles of today and tomorrow.

Imagine a world where career readiness leaders and educators don’t just design programs for students, but with them—co-creating programming, policies, and expectations alongside the very individuals they seek to serve. By centering the voices of those who have historically faced systemic barriers, we can build sustainable solutions that remove obstacles and create true access to opportunity.

Equity in CTE means ensuring that ALL students—regardless of socioeconomic status, background, or ability—have access to quality instruction, resources, and hands-on experiences that propel them toward college, career, and economic mobility. By dismantling barriers to education and workforce training, we empower students to graduate with confidence and transition successfully into the workforce, higher education, or military service.

SHIPHT IS ON A MISSION.

We are committed to equipping underrepresented and marginalized students with the tools they need to thrive in career technical education & entrepreneurship. Through hands-on, interactive learning, mentorship, and workforce development, SHIPHT is building strong public-private partnerships that create direct pathways to economic independence and career success.

Together, we are transforming the future of work—one student at a time. Join us in shaping a future where opportunity is truly accessible for all.

🌟 A Brand New Day, At Last! SHIPHT Summer Academy Completion Ceremony

We’re excited to invite you to the 2025 SHIPHT Summer Academy Completion Ceremony—a powerful celebration of growth, creativity, and resilience as we honor our incredible students who have completed this year’s summer career technical education and entrepreneurship experience!

📅 Date: August 1st, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 120 Jefferson Street, Waterloo, IA

Come join us as we celebrate our young innovators who have spent the summer learning, building, and dreaming big. This ceremony is not just a culmination—it’s a launchpad into future possibilities.

About SHIPHT Academy

The SHIPHT Career Technical Education & Entrepreneurship Academy is a transformative experience designed to expose youth to high-demand career fields, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and life skills. Students engage in hands-on learning across pathways like healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and design—while also gaining essential tools in AI, public speaking, resume writing, and professional etiquette.The program places a strong focus on cultural relevance, creativity, and connection to real-world industry mentors. Students also have the opportunity to participate in paid internships and/or project-based experiences that tie classroom learning to career readiness.

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

This celebration would not be possible without the unwavering support of our generous partners. We are proud to recognize:

Cedar Valley United Way
City of Cedar Falls
Community Foundation of Northeast Teen Trust
Dupaco Credit Union
Greestate Credit Union
Hawkeye Community College
Iowa State Extension & Outreach
Iowa Workforce Development
ONE Cedar Valley
Otto Schoitz Foundation
R.J. McElroy Trust
The City of Waterloo
TruStage
U.S. Bank
Veridian Credit Union
Waterloo Community School District and the Waterloo Career Center
Wells Fargo

Your investment in young people makes a lasting impact—not only on their futures, but on the future of our entire community. Thank you for believing in the power of education and opportunity.

🎉 We hope to see you there as we honor this next generation of leaders and changemakers!