Every morning, before the sun even rises, a group of Salem Community High School students leaves behind the routine of a typical school day to step into something different—something bigger. They aren’t just students; they’re entrepreneurs in the making. They’re part of the Little Egypt CEO Program, an elite opportunity designed to immerse students in real-world business, leadership, and innovation. And according to them, it’s nothing short of transformational.

A Classroom Without Walls

Unlike traditional business classes, the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) Program doesn’t happen inside a classroom. Instead, students meet at local businesses, engage directly with successful entrepreneurs, and develop their own ventures. No textbooks. No lectures. Just real-world experience.

"We start the year by working together on a class business—ours was a trivia night," explained Kylie Vieira, one of the students in the program. "The money we raised goes toward our own individual businesses in the second semester. We’re not just learning about business—we’re running one."

The program is open to students across multiple high schools in Marion County, meaning participants get to network with peers from other districts, building relationships that extend far beyond their own school hallways.

What It Means to Think Like an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurial thinking isn’t just about starting a business—it’s a mindset, a way of seeing opportunities where others see obstacles.

"At first, I thought an entrepreneur was just someone who started their own business," said Silas Moats. "But now I see it’s bigger than that. It’s about solving problems, making something better, and taking risks others won’t."

For Preslee Harris, the CEO Program has been life-changing—but not in the way she expected.

"I joined thinking I wanted to go into business, but I realized I want to be in education instead. But guess what? Schools are run like businesses too," she said. "This experience will still help me, no matter what field I go into."

From Concept to Reality: Their Own Businesses

Each student in the program isn’t just studying business—they’re launching one. The range of businesses is as diverse as the students themselves:

Strikeout Chamois – A bowling towel company that offers a high-quality, affordable alternative for serious players. (Rhett Detering)

Elite Lawn – A lawn care service that’s already operating across Marion and Jefferson counties. (Braden Rector)

KB Productions – A live sound, stage lighting, and DJ service built for musicians and event planners. (Kellen Bolen)

In Focus Photography – A portrait photography business designed to provide affordable, high-quality photos to families. (Kylie Vieira)

X Factor Bowling – A coaching and training business aimed at helping young bowlers develop their skills and passion for the sport. (Silas Moats)

"My Why, Not Why Me" Podcast – A self-improvement podcast focused on turning life’s biggest challenges into opportunities for growth. (Preslee Harris)

Some students entered the program with existing businesses, while others built theirs from scratch. But one thing is clear—these aren’t just school projects. They’re real businesses with real customers and real futures.

Learning from the Best

Beyond their own ventures, students also learn directly from local business leaders. Each student is paired with a mentor—an experienced professional in the field they aspire to enter.

"Our mentors take us seriously," said Preslee Harris. "They don’t talk down to us like kids. They treat us like professionals, which makes us act like professionals."

For some, these mentorships have already begun opening doors to internships, job opportunities, and partnerships that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

The Hardest, Most Rewarding Thing They’ve Ever Done

Make no mistake—this program isn’t easy. Students must be at their business visits early in the morning, manage their own projects, and step outside their comfort zones every single day.

"Nobody holds our hand," said Moats. "We have to be responsible. We have to be on time. We have to do the work ourselves."

That discipline and self-reliance is exactly what sets CEO students apart when they enter college or the workforce. They don’t just understand business—they live it.

A Network That Lasts a Lifetime

Beyond the skills, beyond the businesses, there’s something else the students gain: a lifelong network of connections.

"I’ve met people I never would have met otherwise," said Harris. "And it’s not just business owners—it’s my fellow students. We all came into this from different schools, but we’ve built relationships that will last long after we graduate."

That network is already paying dividends. Past CEO alumni have gone on to build successful companies, enter leadership roles, and return as guest speakers to help the next generation.

The Future of Leadership Begins Here

In just one year, these students have built businesses, confidence, and a deep understanding of what it means to lead.

They’ve learned that being an entrepreneur isn’t about owning a business—it’s about taking initiative, thinking big, and making things happen.

And whether they go on to run corporations, non-profits, classrooms, or entire industries, one thing is certain:

The future of business is in good hands.