About Us

Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship is the provider of CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) – the standard for entrepreneurship education in the United States. We partner with businesses, schools, and community leaders to launch and operate thriving CEO programs that develop the next generation of creative thinkers, ethical leaders, and entrepreneurs.

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About Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship

At Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, we believe entrepreneurship is a mindset - a new way of viewing the world and acting on opportunity. As the provider of CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities), we partner with businesses, schools, and community leaders across the country to help them establish, launch, and operate thriving CEO programs for the long term.

Our team provides personal support along with a full suite of tools, technology, and training for every CEO program. From the proven CEO launch process through the day-to-day operation of your program, the Midland Institute team is ready to become your community's partner in entrepreneurship education.

“I want to get an inside look at local businesses. I plan on attending SIU Edwardsville for a business degree, and when I graduate, I want to manage my parents’ business, Pyramid Marble and Granite. I think this class has endless opportunities. It could open new doors for my career and life. I am blessed to reside in a town where the CEO teachers and business owners are willing to invest their time, money, and knowledge into this program. I know CEO will help prepare me for my future.”

- Megan Brandt

CEO Participant

CEO brings together high school juniors and seniors from public, private, and homeschool settings in a unique, experiential learning environment. Classes meet in local businesses and participants engage with 30–40 guest speakers and business visits throughout the year. Through mentoring, group business experiences, and launching their own ventures, CEO participants develop the entrepreneurial mindset and 21st-century skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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CEO Programs

377

Total Schools

2.8 K+

Program Investors

7 K+

CEO Participants

Our Vision

Our vision is a world where the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in every community. We believe entrepreneurship is more about mindset than business knowledge - more about a new way of viewing the world and acting on opportunity. Through CEO, we are empowering participants across the United States to become creative problem-solvers, resilient leaders, and contributors to their local economies. Every CEO community we serve reflects our commitment to building the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Affordability

The CEO program is funded by local business investors and donors, keeping the program accessible to participants at no cost. Community support - through financial contributions, hosting classes, and mentoring - makes CEO possible.

Academics

CEO participants earn 2 high school credits - and sometimes dual credit - for their participation. The program meets 90 minutes a day, Monday through Friday, for a full year, delivering real-world business education guided by an experienced Facilitator.

Student Life

CEO participants build lasting connections with local business leaders, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Through guest speaker visits, business tours, and the annual CEO Tradeshow, participants grow their network and develop a lifelong entrepreneurial community.

Beyond the Classroom

CEO classes don't happen in a traditional school setting - they happen in the heart of the business community. participants meet daily in local businesses, rotating locations throughout the year to immerse themselves in real-world environments. From manufacturing floors to startup offices, every visit broadens their perspective and deepens their understanding of what it takes to run a successful business.

Participants Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it. CEO alumni and community partners consistently point to the program as a transformative experience. Here's what some of them have to say about the CEO program and the Midland Institute.

"The CEO has completely changed my outlook on school and life. Applying for the class was one of the best choices I have ever made. The class teaches you so many life lessons that you can apply to every situation whether it be for personal or business."

Preston Street

Jasper CEO Class of 2015

"This class has changed me so much I forget how I used to be. It has changed how I think, communicate, and how I handle people. I never would have thought I would be able to talk to business people as I do. CEO has changed my entire outlook on life and I am very grateful for that."

Jordan Mammoser

Jasper 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!"

Sandy Amorado

2015-16 Alumni

"The first semester of CEO has been beyond amazing. I have learned so much about myself and others. Visiting businesses around Jasper County has opened my eyes and shocked me over and over again. I have met so many amazing people through CEO. I feel that I have grown up so much over the past four months and I wouldn't change my experience for anything."

Katelyn Hardiek

Jasper CEO, Class of 2015

"Joining Edwardsville CEO is a decision I will never regret. It offers so many unique experiences and lessons which cannot be found anywhere else."

Brooke Wade

Edwardsville CEO

"CEO doesn't just teach you how to be a successful entrepreneur, it teaches you how to BE successful."

Luke Welser

Edwardsville CEO

"I am excited to build on my knowledge of the business world and change to become the best version of myself through the CEO program."

Carson Baxter

Effingham County CEO

"I am very excited to meet new people and develop important life skills in Effingham County CEO!"

Jaxon Bridges

Effingham County CEO

"The Seneca CEO program pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Through the connections, experiences, and challenges the program provided, I've gained confidence in myself and discovered opportunities and passions I never would have explored otherwise."

Alaina Sherman

Seneca County OH CEO

"This program will always be a big part of my life. I can say for a fact that CEO changed me and the way I think about the world and business in general. Not only did I learn and grow, but I met people who I became friends with. It wasn't just a class, it became our CEO family."

Karlie Summit

Seneca County OH CEO

"As a member of the founding class of Southwest Florida CEO, I had the unique opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking program that introduced me to the world of entrepreneurship and innovation. Throughout this experience, I built valuable connections with local business leaders and developed skills in public speaking, networking, and creative problem-solving."