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YES Talent Search

High school students making catapults

Empowering Young Innovators

Event Dates: June 8-11, 2025
Awards Luncheon: June 11, 2025, at noon
Nominations Due: January 31, 2025
Location: É«»¨Ìà - Main Campus

Join us at the É«»¨Ìà for our Young Entrepreneur and STEM YES Talent Search! Over three days, you'll showcase your skills, meet some of North Dakota's most accomplished field leaders, and compete in one of two categories — Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), or Entrepreneurship — to win a grand prize of $5,000 cash.

What to Expect

  • Areas of Interest: Students can submit projects in many categories, including science, cybersecurity, computer science, math, engineering, entrepreneurship, etc.

  • One-on-One Mentorship: You'll receive personalized guidance from experts in your area of interest as you perfect your project submission.

  • Networking Opportunities: While you're here on campus, you'll have no shortage of chances to get to know industry VIPs from across the state.

  • Generous Awards: The top three contestants in each track will walk away with full pockets — we're awarding $5,000 cash for first place, $3,000 for second, and $1,000 for third. In addition, if you take gold, silver, or bronze in your chosen category, your nominator will get $2,000, $1,000, or $500, respectively.

Sunday, June 8, 2025

5-6 PM: Arrival & Registration at the Gary Tharaldson School of Business Foyer
6-9 PM: Event Social – Cove Courtyard 

Monday, June 9, 2025

8-9 AM: Breakfast at Crow’s Nest
9-9:25 AM: Welcome and Kickoff – Apple Creek Room
9:30-11:30 AM: Entrepreneurship and STEM Sessions
12-1:15 PM: Lunch at Crow’s Nest
1:30-4:30 PM: Afternoon Sessions
4:30-6 PM: Leisure
6-7 PM: Supper at Crow’s Nest
7-9 PM: Evening Activities 

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

8-9 AM: Breakfast at Crow’s Nest
9-9:25 AM: Debrief from Monday – Apple Creek Room
9:30-11:30 AM: Entrepreneurship and STEM Sessions
12-1:15 PM: Lunch at Crow’s Nest
1:30-4:30 PM: Afternoon Sessions
4:30-6 PM: Leisure
6-7 PM: Supper at Crow’s Nest
7-9 PM: Evening Activities 

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

8-9 AM: Breakfast at Crow’s Nest
9:30-11:30 AM: Top Finalists Announced and Compete for Top 3 Places; Check Out of Rooms
11-11:45 AM: Participant Pictures; Award Luncheon
12 PM: Participants Depart 

  • All housing and meals are provided. Participants do not need to bring bedding unless they want their own pillow. 
  • There is no need for additional cash, but participants are welcome to bring cash for snack-related purchases they’d like to make on their own. Some snacks are provided. 
  • Have toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.) since participants will be staying in our dorms, which do not offer these items. 
  • Registration will open on Sunday, and a social will follow. Participants can get to know the others at the event! 
  • The event will officially begin on Monday morning. Students need to participate in all activities to be eligible for final prizes. 
  • Two categories will be offered: Entrepreneurship and STEM; however, students can only participate in one category and must remain in that category for the duration of the event. 
  • We need chaperones – if you are available, let us know!

Questions?

Please contact Karel Sovak at 701-355-8042.