Dawn Bowlus, director of the Jacobson Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship in the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, received an Iowa Women in Innovation Award during ceremonies in Des Moines Nov. 10.

The Women of Innovation Awards were established eight years ago by the Technology Association of Iowa to recognize, honor, and promote the outstanding contributions Iowa women make to technological communities. The winners also are honored for their commitment to supporting and mentoring other women and girls throughout the state. 

Bowlus was recognized for leading the development of BizInnovator, an online entrepreneurship curriculum that allows high school juniors and seniors to get UI entrepreneurship credit. In partnership with the College of Education, Bowlus also created the STEM Innovator, a program that will offer a STEM Innovator Certificate curriculum nationwide. She has raised more than $4.5 million in grant support for the Jacobson Institute, and has created a revenue-generating model to ensure growth and sustainability for its programs.