Before the sun rises over Macoupin County, a group of high school seniors is already in motion. They’re dressed for business, shaking hands with professionals, and diving into conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the limitless potential of their own ideas. This is the world of the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program, and for students like Tommy Campbell, Macie Wright, and Olivia Halpin, it’s an experience that has transformed the way they see their futures.

For most students, the school day begins with textbooks and traditional classrooms. But CEO students? Their day starts at 7:00 AM in local businesses, boardrooms, and community spaces, where they meet with mentors, learn from industry professionals, and work on real-world ventures.

“It’s not just about business,” says Jillian Peters. “It’s about confidence, professionalism, and learning how to communicate. I used to be terrified to speak in front of people, but now I can walk into a room, shake hands, and hold a conversation without thinking twice.”

Founded as a way to introduce high school students to entrepreneurial thinking, the CEO program operates as a countywide initiative, welcoming students from multiple schools—including Mount Olive, Staunton, Gillespie, and Carlinville. Facilitator Carrie Van Alstine describes it as a hands-on approach to learning that pushes students outside their comfort zones.

“There’s no textbook for this,” she explains. “These students are learning by doing. They’re meeting business owners, running their own ventures, and discovering that failure isn’t an ending—it’s just part of the process.”

From the very first day, CEO students are immersed in real-world expectations. They learn how to introduce themselves professionally, maintain eye contact, and speak with confidence. They also launch their own businesses—from firewood delivery to handmade jewelry to innovative tech services.

Tommy Campbell, for instance, has built Big T’s Firewood, a business that supplies split and stacked wood across the county. “I’ve always been a social person, but this class gave me the tools to turn my skills into something real,” he says.

Meanwhile, Macie Wright created Coloring the County, a locally inspired coloring book highlighting historical sites and attractions. Olivia Halpin turned her love of crafting into Resin8, designing custom dog tags, coasters, and accessories. “I never thought of myself as a businessperson,” Olivia says, “but CEO showed me that I can take something I love and turn it into something meaningful.”

The program isn’t just for future entrepreneurs—it’s for any student who wants to be better prepared for the real world. Karleigh Ward, who is writing a children’s book called Leo and the Pink Spot, emphasizes that the experience has been about more than business. “It’s about learning how to present yourself, how to manage time, how to adapt,” she says. “These are skills I’ll use no matter what career path I take.”

One of the program’s defining aspects is its strong connection to the local business community. Each student is paired with a mentor who helps guide them through their personal business journey. These professionals provide insights, encouragement, and sometimes even unexpected opportunities.

“Macie’s mentor is from Carlinville Area Hospital,” Van Alstine notes. “Some students might think CEO is only for people who want to start businesses, but the reality is, it’s about leadership in any career field. Whether you go into healthcare, education, finance, or construction—entrepreneurial thinking gives you an edge.”

Throughout the year, students participate in several major projects, including a badge business fundraiser, a community-wide 5K, and the capstone event: the CEO Trade Show. At the trade show, students showcase their businesses, pitch their products, and network with potential customers. “It’s their moment to take ownership of everything they’ve learned,” Van Alstine explains. “They stand behind their tables, interact with people, and prove that they’re ready for whatever comes next.”

As the program’s end draws near, students are already thinking about what’s next. Some, like Kris LeVora, plan to take over family businesses. Others see CEO as a stepping stone to bigger goals.

“I might not run my own business right away, but I know that the skills I’ve learned here will carry over into everything I do,” says Dylan Jarden, who started DJ Baits, a custom fishing lure business. “This program has given me confidence, direction, and connections I never would have had otherwise.”

For Van Alstine, that’s the heart of the program. “We don’t expect every student to become an entrepreneur, but we do expect them to leave with a new sense of what’s possible,” she says. “They learn how to take initiative, how to step into a room with confidence, and how to believe in their own ideas.”

Whether they go on to start businesses, lead organizations, or carve their own paths in unexpected ways, one thing is certain: CEO students leave the program with something invaluable—a mindset that tells them they are capable, adaptable, and ready to take on the world.