High school students have the opportunity to compete for a $5,000 grant from McPherson College to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions. The application deadline is Jan. 25.

On Nov. 14, the college announced its first-ever Jump Start Kansas competition. The challenge will award two grand-prize grants of $5,000 to Kansas high school students or teams of students who present the best entrepreneurial ideas — one in the area of commercial entrepreneurship and one for social entrepreneurship.

The grants will be awarded with no stipulation that the students attend McPherson College. Students can enter between now and Jan. 25 by visiting http://blogs.mcpherson.edu/entrepreneurship/jump-start-kansas.

An independent panel of entrepreneurs, community members, and faculty will judge the entries and select five in both categories as finalists.

Those finalists will attend a pitch competition on Feb. 15 for their shot at the top prize of $5,000, as well as a $20,000 four-year scholarship to attend McPherson College. The other eight finalists will also receive a $4,000 scholarship to the college.