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!
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.
Alethea Ball
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Thea Ball is a senior at Metro East Lutheran High School. Thea is on the MELHS tennis, basketball, and softball teams. She also participates in National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Honor Choir. Outside of school, she participates in the Quercus Grove 4H Club, her church’s youth group, and she is employed at Hamel McDonald’s. Thea enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies, deer hunting, and being outside. After high school Thea plans to attend college and become a middle school teacher. Thea is grateful for the opportunity to be in CEO and is excited for all the things she will learn this year.
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.
Antonella De Avila
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Antonella De Avila is a senior at Edwardsville High School. Antonella is involved in various clubs and activities. She is president of Spanish Club and is also a member of National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. Antonella is also very involved with the community as she volunteers for Key Club, an organization that specializes in creating a fun and safe environment for kids with disabilities. While those are only some of her activities, one of her favorite activities to do in her free time is podcasting with the Tiger Talk Network. Antonella is also a dancer and she dances at Rena’s Dance Unlimited. After high school, Antonella is going to major in Architecture and hopes to one day have her own company.
Josephine Gehlbach
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Josephine Gehlbach is a senior at Edwardsville High School. She is currently getting her general college education done at Lewis and Clark Community College. Josie is currently working at Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness as an office employee, as well as a martial arts instructor for ages 3 all the way up to adults. Outside of school and work she enjoys going to see live music, volunteering for Special Olympics, spending time with friends, and doing anything outside or with ATVs. She hopes to earn her Certified Public Accounting license by 21 and work for a government agency, then go back to college to eventually become a forensic accountant for the FBI. Josie is excited to go through the CEO program to learn more about the business world, as the knowledge she will learn is priceless and is a huge advantage when entering the work force.