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) is based on the successful program in Effingham, Illinois. The CEO program:
- Is funded by business investors
- Is open to high school juniors and seniors
- Selects students through a rigorous application process
- Serves students from public and private high schools
- Meets for 90 minutes each day
- Provides 2 high school credits
- Utilizes area businesses as classrooms
- Visits 30-50 area businesses each year
- Hosts 30-40 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 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.
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Preston StreetJasper CEO Class of 2015
"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."
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Megan BrandtCEO Student
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwsHg9k0O7g&authuser=4
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 has taught me how to be a more beneficial and efficient leader for our community. In addition, it has brought many exciting learning experiences and has given me a better outlook for the future of myself being involved in the community. Not all businesses come in a can, a business must adapt to its marketing area with supply and demand.
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Garrett HallJasper CEO Class of 2015