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 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
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.
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Jordan MammoserJasper CEO Class of 2015
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 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.
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Katelyn HardiekJasper 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