CEO transforms your high school students into entrepreneurial leaders who stay, launch businesses, fill your workforce pipeline, and grow your community.
48.4% of CEO alumni live in or return to their hometown.
98% report being currently employed.
20% are operating their own business.
About The CEO Program
Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs.
The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship provides the framework, tools, and support to help communities launch and sustain their own CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) programs. We bridge the gap between education and the local business community.
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Entrepreneurship In Action
Alumni Stories
Shelby Hinterscher
Vayda Jane Bridal
Effingham County CEO
- Gained the confidence to pursue a nontraditional career path and build her own business
- Turned creative ideas and long-term dreams into a real business experience
- Learned practical skills that continue shaping both her business and personal life
Karris Hortin
Jars of Hope
Mount Carmel CEO
- Turned a personal connection to Ethiopia into a business built around helping children in need
- Created a convenient product that combines practical value with a meaningful social mission
- Developed as a compassionate young leader by donating 100% of her profits to the orphanage she once called home
Abigail Gerig
Dragonwood
Kokomo CEO
- Turned an interest in nature and agriculture into a growing line of premium natural products
- Built hands-on experience through tapping trees, raising bees, and creating products from start to finish
- Developed a business that blends craftsmanship, science, and entrepreneurship to serve customers near and far
Entrepreneurship Starts Here
A proven framework
CEO pairs motivated participants with the people, places, and experiences that bring their entrepreneurial spirits to life
Lasting Mentorships
Participants are connected with local professionals who invest personal time into their growth, building relationships that strengthen the entire business community for generations.
Community-Funded
Local businesses, organizations, and individuals fund each program and show up throughout the year as hosts, speakers, and mentors.
Competitive by Design
Admission comes through a structured application process, drawing from public, private, and homeschool students who are ready to commit to a full year of real entrepreneurial work.
Testimonials
What stakeholders Say
Real-World Learning
Connecting Students To Opportunity
CEO gives participants direct exposure to business leaders, real-world experiences, and meaningful relationships that expand the way they see their future. Through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on learning, participants gain the confidence and perspective to recognize opportunities within their own communities and beyond.
Professional Growth
Learn From Local Leaders
Participants build relationships with business owners, mentors, and professionals throughout their community.
Build Professional Confidence
From networking to public speaking, participants develop the soft skills that shape future leaders.
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Turn Ideas Into Action
CEO helps participants think creatively, solve problems, and take initiative in real-world situations.
Leadership Beyond Business
The entrepreneurial mindset applies far beyond starting a company. It builds confidence in any career path.
Hands-On Experience
Real Business Exposure
Participants experience internships, business visits, presentations, and collaborative projects firsthand.
Learning Beyond The Classroom
CEO immerses participants in experiences that traditional classrooms often cannot provide.
Community Impact
Investing Back Into Communities
Many alumni return to strengthen the towns and communities that helped shape them.
Creating Meaningful Futures
CEO helps participants recognize the opportunities already surrounding them and inspires them to pursue them confidently.
Bring CEO to your community
Start Your Journey
Learn how communities across the country are bringing CEO to participants through hands-on experiences, local business connections, and immersive learning opportunities.
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