What is CEO
The CEO Program is funded by local business investors strengthens your local community provides 2 high school credits utilizes area businesses as classrooms emphasizes 21st century Learning skills
CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) began in the Fall of 2008 in Effingham, Illinois.
The CEO program:
- Is funded by business investors
- Is open to high school juniors and seniors
- Selects students through a rigorous blind application process
- Serves students from public, private high schools and home school.
- Meets for 90 minutes each day
- Provides 2 high school credits
- Utilizes area businesses as host sites and never meets in a classroom.
- Visits 40+ area businesses each year
- Hosts 40+ guest speakers each year
- Emphasizes 21st century Learning skills
- Provides the opportunity for each student to start their own business
- Provides a mentor from the business community for each CEO student
- Hosts an annual trade show to showcase student businesses
What is CEO explained by Craig Lindvahl
Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities is a year-long course designed to utilize partnerships that provide an overview of business development and processes.
Our local business community partners with area schools to create project-based experiences for students by providing funding, expertise, meeting space, business tours, and one-on-one mentoring. Students visit area businesses, learn from guest speakers, participate in a class business, write business plans, and start and operate their own businesses. Business concepts learned through the experiential CEO class are critical; the 21st century skills of problem-solving, teamwork, self-motivation, responsibility, higher-order thinking, communication, and inquiry are at the heart of a student’s development throughout the course.
Student Testimonials
The amount of networking and general life skills that I have acquired from this class astound me. Before, I would be a little hesitant to talk to a stranger, but now I can go up to anyone no matter who they are and successfully carry a conversation. The opportunities that have been opened to me just from that aspect alone have made this class worthwhile.
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Chris PitcherJasper CEO Class of 2015
The CEO class is teaching me a whole new approach to life: the entrepreneurial approach.
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Anne WesselCEO Student
Sometimes I just have to step back and look at how much I've changed since August. I have not only matured mentally but I have also become more prepared for the future. I never would have expected to have been able to think and communicate with the business people that I do and have to drive that I now have. CEO has formed me into a better person that is ready to take on the future.
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Rachel MammoserJasper CEO Class of 2015
"The CEO Program has changed my life. I learned many valuable lessons about the business and real world from many leaders in our community. I am more confident with myself. I learned to never give up and keep moving forward. Connections are the key in any career field. Now, I know I want to be involved with business as I'm getting older. CEO has created a foundation for my future endeavors. I couldn't be any more grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in such an amazing experience! Thank you CEO for everything and good luck to the next participants!"
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Sandy Amorado2016-16 Alumni
CEO isn’t just a class; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am honored to be a part of.
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Mariah BushueCEO Student Class of 2015