CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Program

If you’re hardworking, and if you’re motivated, then CEO is for you. It’s not just a class for students who want to start their own business (though it’s perfect for those who do!). It’s for students who want to be leaders, who want to be successful, and who want to make a difference.

CEO is made up of students in their senior year at Belleville High Schools that apply for the class and receive a spot. The student selection process is a defined process. The program is a year-long honors class designed to utilize partnerships that provide an overview of business development and processes. Students have the opportunity to visit area businesses, learn from guest speakers, write business plans and start and operate their own business. During the Annual Trade Show, each student has a booth to showcase their personal business to the public. Students must submit a written request for admission, letters of recommendation, and complete an entrepreneurial profile. 

The CEO class meets from 7:30 am to 9:00 am or 9:00 am to 10:15 am Monday - Friday and is a year-long high school course. Students will receive two high school credit hours and can also elect to earn four free college credit hours through Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) – three credit hours as a MGMT 201 Entrepreneur Basics and one credit in MGMT 203 Business Plan course.

The Classroom

The class meets in local businesses and changes locations throughout the year. This helps the students from multiple school districts establish a common identity based on their CEO experience and a greater appreciation for our areas professional work environments.

Mentors

CEO mentors help students immerse themselves in real life learning experiences with the opportunity to take risks, manage the results, and learn from the outcomes.