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.
74 CEO Programs & Growing
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.
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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.
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