CEO's Shared Impact:

CEO's Shared Impact:

Discover the Proven Impact of the CEO Program.

See how our innovative entrepreneurial program is transforming communities across the country, as revealed in a comprehensive dissertation by Steve Henness.

“In 20+ years in economic development, CEO has been the most beneficial and most gratifying program I have been involved with."

Ron Arnold

Retired Executive Director Daviess County Indiana Economic Development

“In 20+ years in economic development, CEO has been the most beneficial and most gratifying program I have been involved with."

Ron Arnold

Retired Executive Director Daviess County Indiana Economic Development

“In 20+ years in economic development, CEO has been the most beneficial and most gratifying program I have been involved with."

Ron Arnold

Retired Executive Director Daviess County Indiana Economic Development

74 CEO Programs & Growing

  • Seneca

    County

  • Saline

    County

  • McDonough

    County

  • Dickinson

    County

  • Decatur

    Morgan

  • Fayette

    County

  • Southwest

    Minnesota

  • Montgomery

    County

  • Union

    County

  • Vigo

    County

  • Kankakee

    County

  • Little

    Egypt

  • Mower

    County

  • Granite

    Utah

  • Seneca

    County

  • Saline

    County

  • McDonough

    County

  • Dickinson

    County

  • Decatur

    Morgan

  • Fayette

    County

  • Southwest

    Minnesota

  • Montgomery

    County

  • Union

    County

  • Vigo

    County

  • Kankakee

    County

  • Little

    Egypt

  • Mower

    County

  • Granite

    Utah

About the Study

The Research Behind the Impact

Steve Henness independently conducted a study for his doctoral program at the University of Missouri, as an in-depth study on the CEO program, combining qualitative and quantitative data to reveal its true impact.


This study targeted the almost 5000 graduates of CEO program. It not only validates our approach but also uncovers new insights into how we can continue to improve and foster entrepreneurship in communities across the nation.

About the Study

The Research Behind the Impact

Steve Henness independently conducted a study for his doctoral program at the University of Missouri, as an in-depth study on the CEO program, combining qualitative and quantitative data to reveal its true impact.


This study targeted the almost 5000 graduates of CEO program. It not only validates our approach but also uncovers new insights into how we can continue to improve and foster entrepreneurship in communities across the nation.

Key Statistics

Real-World Skills, Stronger Communities, Lasting Impact.

This case study highlights real-world entrepreneurial learning in the rural context. The findings underscore the influence that experiential learning can have on students, adults, and communities.

Sense of Belonging

76% of alumni feel a stronger connection to their hometowns.

Sense of Belonging

76% of alumni feel a stronger connection to their hometowns.

Sense of Belonging

76% of alumni feel a stronger connection to their hometowns.

Strong Communities

91% have built stronger networks through the program.

Strong Communities

91% have built stronger networks through the program.

Strong Communities

91% have built stronger networks through the program.

Program Relevance

83% found CEO more impactful than other K-12 entrepreneurship programs.

Program Relevance

83% found CEO more impactful than other K-12 entrepreneurship programs.

Program Relevance

83% found CEO more impactful than other K-12 entrepreneurship programs.

Mindset & Support

95% believe an entrepreneurial mindset and community support are accessible to all students.

Mindset & Support

95% believe an entrepreneurial mindset and community support are accessible to all students.

Mindset & Support

95% believe an entrepreneurial mindset and community support are accessible to all students.

Network Expansion

75% reported that CEO helped them expand their personal and professional networks.

Network Expansion

75% reported that CEO helped them expand their personal and professional networks.

Network Expansion

75% reported that CEO helped them expand their personal and professional networks.

Benefits

Empowering Communities Through CEO.

Discover how the CEO program transforms students, strengthens communities, and builds networks that last a lifetime.

Building Strong Communities

CEO acts as a catalyst for economic and social development by creating vital connections between students, businesses, and community leaders.

Building Strong Communities

CEO acts as a catalyst for economic and social development by creating vital connections between students, businesses, and community leaders.

Cultivating Real-World Skills

CEO equips students with essential leadership and business skills, preparing them for diverse career paths with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Cultivating Real-World Skills

CEO equips students with essential leadership and business skills, preparing them for diverse career paths with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Fostering Life-Long Networks

CEO participants gain enduring personal and professional networks that support sustained growth and success.

Fostering Life-Long Networks

CEO participants gain enduring personal and professional networks that support sustained growth and success.

Benefits

Empowering Communities Through CEO.

Discover how the CEO program transforms students, strengthens communities, and builds networks that last a lifetime.

Building Strong Communities

CEO acts as a catalyst for economic and social development by creating vital connections between students, businesses, and community leaders.

Cultivating Real-World Skills

CEO equips students with essential leadership and business skills, preparing them for diverse career paths with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Fostering Life-Long Networks

CEO participants gain enduring personal and professional networks that support sustained growth and success.

Want the Full Picture?

Get a concise overview of the key findings or download the complete set of materials, including the two-page overview, executive summary, and full study, to fully grasp the impact of CEO.

About Us

About CEO and the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial education through the CEO Program. The Institute provides the curriculum which connects high school students with local business leaders, providing them with real-world skills and experiences to succeed. By supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems, the Midland Institute drives economic development and inspires future leaders.


CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) offers high school students hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. Through partnerships with local business leaders, students develop and launch their own businesses, gaining practical skills in leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. CEO prepares the next generation of entrepreneurs to succeed in a dynamic global economy

About Us

About CEO and the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial education through the CEO Program. The Institute provides the curriculum which connects high school students with local business leaders, providing them with real-world skills and experiences to succeed. By supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems, the Midland Institute drives economic development and inspires future leaders.


CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) offers high school students hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. Through partnerships with local business leaders, students develop and launch their own businesses, gaining practical skills in leadership, creativity, and problem-solving. CEO prepares the next generation of entrepreneurs to succeed in a dynamic global economy

Our Growth

A Growing Force in Entrepreneurship Education.

With 74 programs across 11 states, the CEO program is making a significant impact on communities nationwide. We're committed to expanding our reach, with focused efforts in Minnesota, Indiana, Alabama, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, and Kansas.

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Our Growth

A Growing Force in Entrepreneurship Education.

With 74 programs across 11 states, the CEO program is making a significant impact on communities nationwide. We're committed to expanding our reach, with focused efforts in Minnesota, Indiana, Alabama, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, and Kansas.

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Programs

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States

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High Schools

Testimonials

How CEO is Changing Communities

These testimonials from educators, economic developers, and program alumni highlight the transformational power of entrepreneurship education in strengthening communities and shaping future leaders.

"This is the most unique program I've ever seen. To watch over the last 8 years the development of these students, and how many of our students are coming back to the community. Having this mentorship is something that young professionals pay a lot of money for, and our kids are getting to do it for free."

Angela Blessing

Principal, Kokomo High School, Kokomo CEO Board Member

"CEO really changed my perspective. Coming from a small town, there’s that mentality of ‘I want to leave...’ But the community really took the time to listen to us and invest in us. They gave us tips to help us succeed... It really opened my eyes. Today, I see a lot of potential here in my community, so I stuck around."

Keslie Woodson

Saline County CEO

"As a kid you spend a lot of time in the classroom, and you don't spend as much time in the real world. That's what this program did...it placed us in the real world and prepared us for what we were going to have to do after high school. It changed the way I look at the world."

Aaron Taflinger

McDonough County CEO, CEO Alum & Business Owner

"This is my 33rd year in education, and I have said this from the start of this program—the CEO program that I believe we're doing here in Southwest Minnesota is by far the best educational initiative that I've ever been associated with in education for 33 years."

Craig Oftedahl

Superintendent & Southwest Minnesota CEO Board Member

"Here is an established real-world program with a national reputation that is going to enable your students to create businesses and learn skills that they simply won't learn anywhere else. It's a bridge between community and education."

John Joseph

Alabama E-Center Executive Director, Decatur Morgan CEO Board Member

“In 20+ years in economic development, CEO has been the most beneficial and most gratifying program I have been involved with."

Ron Arnold

Retired Executive Director Daviess County Indiana Economic Development

Get Started

Start a CEO Program in Your Community

Ready to bring the transformative power of the CEO program to your area?

Visit discoverceo.com to get more information and take the first step in creating lasting impact for your students and community.

Get Started

Start a CEO Program in Your Community

Ready to bring the transformative power of the CEO program to your area?

Visit discoverceo.com to get more information and take the first step in creating lasting impact for your students and community.

FAQ

Your Questions, Answered.

We understand you may have questions about the CEO program and the recent study conducted by Steve Henness.


We've put together some of the most common questions we receive from community leaders, educators, and potential program supporters.

FAQ

Your Questions, Answered.

We understand you may have questions about the CEO program and the recent study conducted by Steve Henness.


We've put together some of the most common questions we receive from community leaders, educators, and potential program supporters.

What is the main focus of the CEO program?

What is the main focus of the CEO program?

What is the main focus of the CEO program?

What were the key findings of Steve Henness’ study on the CEO program?

What were the key findings of Steve Henness’ study on the CEO program?

What were the key findings of Steve Henness’ study on the CEO program?

How can my community start a CEO program?

How can my community start a CEO program?

How can my community start a CEO program?

What are the benefits of starting a CEO program in my area?

What are the benefits of starting a CEO program in my area?

What are the benefits of starting a CEO program in my area?

Who can I contact for more detailed information about the study or starting a program?

Who can I contact for more detailed information about the study or starting a program?

Who can I contact for more detailed information about the study or starting a program?

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