Fill out the form to learn more and get notified when you can start your application!
Here's What To Do:
Complete the Request More Information form to be notified when the application opens.
01
Sign Up For Updates
Fill out the request form below to learn more about CEO and receive text updates about the application process. You can do this whether or not the application has opened yet!
02
Start Your Application
When applications open, you’ll get a text with a direct link. Our blind review hides names and personal details, so selection is based on your potential and interest. The application is a simple 6-step process.
03
Submit Before The Application Window Closes
Late submissions won’t be considered. Submit a 150-word personal narrative on why you want to be a part of CEO, complete a character survey, provide the required character references (set by your program), and obtain parent/guardian approval.
Still Deciding If CEO Is Right For You?
Learn more about the CEO Expereince
IS CEO RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you are hard-working, motivated, and willing to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, then CEO is for you!
START YOUR APPLICATION
Complete this form and we will text you the student application link when it goes live.
Alumni Testimonials
CEO Alumni bring a unique retrospective to the CEO journey. After experiencing CEO, alumni continue to utilize the skills learned to create an impact in the CEO community and beyond!
Dorothea Villhard
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Dorothea Villhard is a senior at Father McGivney Catholic High School. She has been a member of the volleyball team for four years and now serves as a varsity team captain. In addition to athletics, Dorothea is a House Leader, a student ambassador, a National Honor Society committee head, and an active member of the Recycling Club. She has also gained valuable leadership and responsibility through her work as a babysitter. Outside of school, Dorothea enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and spending time with family and friends. After graduation, she plans to attend college and is exploring opportunities in fashion media and related fields of study. She is particularly excited about the CEO program because it will allow her to build skills in creativity, communication, and entrepreneurship that connect directly to her future career goals. Dorothea looks forward to using the program’s real-world experiences and professional connections as a foundation for success in fashion media.
Jeremiah Watters
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Jeremiah Watters is a senior at Edwardsville highschool. He is a proud member of CEO and is involved in Edwardsville’s Football team and National Honors society. Jeremiah enjoys lifting, competing in triathlons, playing guitar, and working on cars. He gives back to the community by participating in his school’s Care Closet and Cards for Hospitalized Kids Club as well as helping with the Equipping the Called toy drive. This past spring and summer Jeremiah worked for the city's parks and recreation department as a maintenance worker at Plummer Park. Jeremiah plans on getting either a finance degree or mechanical engineering degree after high school. Jeremiah is excited for the connection with the community and hands-on experience CEO provides.
Cooper Wittek
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Cooper Wittek is a senior at Edwardsville High School. He is a dedicated and active student inside and outside of the classroom. Cooper currently serves as the Vice President of Student Council, Treasurer of the Edwardsville National Honors Society, a member of the National English Honors Society, and President of the Business Professionals of America Chapter, where he helps lead peers in service and professional development opportunities. In addition, he is a varsity athlete in both cross country and track, podiuming and competing in the 3A-Illinois State Finals for both, a statement of his discipline and commitment. When he isn’t running, Cooper is passionate about giving back and volunteers his time to support his school and community. He is also deeply dedicated to his church, where he participates and strengthens his faith through service as a Eucharistic Minister and a Lecturer. Since the beginning of high school, he has been striving to get into the Edwardsville CEO program, and now that he has been accepted, he looks forward to gaining hands-on experience into learning the business world while building skills for future entrepreneurial success. After graduating from Edwardsville High School and completing CEO, Cooper is excited to transfer his athletic and academic talent to the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue a bachelor in Finance and Economics.
Nicholas Dawson
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Nicholas Dawson is a senior at Edwardsville High School. He enjoys playing for the varsity soccer team in the Fall. During the offseason, Nick spends a lot of his time working at Bagley Farms Meat Market. In his free time, Nick enjoys hanging out with friends, playing pickleball, golf, video games, and cooking. After graduating, Nick plans to study International Business or Entrepreneurship. He has not yet decided on a school but plans to stay in the Midwest. His goals for this year are to make it to the state finals in soccer for the second year in a row and to be accepted into his desired schools. Nick is excited to see what opportunities are made possible by CEO.
Simon Stearns
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Simon Stearns is a Senior at Edwardsville High School. He is a private pilot and takes every chance he gets to go fly and explore the amazing world of aviation. He is a proud member and youth recruiter for Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 864. He spends his free time playing Boy’s Volleyball for Edwardsville Highschool. Simon is also a member of National Honor Society, Future Aviators Club, Student Council and St. Clair Beekeepers Association. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and flying RC planes. Simon plans to get a degree in Professional Flight with a minor in Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance. He is grateful to be a part of the CEO program and is looking forward to making a business combining his love for aviation with his love for entrepreneurship.