Kansas State University and several partners continue their collaboration with NetWork Kansas to grow the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC), a premier youth entrepreneurship competition. As part of the NetWork Kansas Entrepreneurship E-Community Partnership, KEC involves key K-State entities, including the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, K-State Research and Extension, and Kansas 4-H.

Through K-State 105, K-State Research and Extension and Kansas 4-H are each committing nearly $100,000 annually for three years to support KEC. The challenge is the final event in the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series, which hosts local entrepreneurship competitions for Kansas students in grades 6-12.

During the 2023-2024 season, the YEC Series featured 58 local competitions with 1,159 students, awarding over $90,000 in prizes. Local winners advanced to KEC, where more than $80,000 in prizes were distributed. This partnership is part of K-State’s ongoing efforts to build stronger communities statewide.