is a non-nontraditional classroom experience for high school seniors, where young entrepreneurs are inspired to become leaders in their community.

Innovate partner's and hosts Sangamon CEO, this entrepreneurship education teaches seeks to prepare, especially youth to become entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial thinkers. Contribute to economic development and sustainable communities. The CEO program is much more than a textbook course. Rather, students are immersed in real life learning experiences with the opportunity to take risks, manage the results, and learn from the outcomes.The Sangamon CEO program is a high school and college-level accredited program that connects students to business and community leaders and allows them to experience the challenges and rewards of running a business. The program is a collaboration between businesses and school districts in Sangamon County and uses a competitive application process.

Our Story

 “CEO” stands for Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities. The Sangamon CEO program is a year-long study of entrepreneurship for high school seniors from 10 area high schools in and around Sangamon County.

The program is accredited at the high school and college level, and it is managed by iVenturED, an Illinois education non-profit.

It provides not only dual-credit through local colleges but also team-building, leadership training, and community networking opportunities for 40+ students each year.

The CEO Program teaches Encouragement.

The CEO Program teaches Creativity.

The CEO Program teaches Leadership.

The CEO Program teaches Creativity.

More Information

• Sangamon CEO website
• Schedule: The CEO class meets five days a week for 90 minutes a day and is a year-long, two credit high school course.
• Facilitator: A key part of the success enjoyed by the class is rooted in a Facilitator who challenges each individual student and can manage constant change in the classroom.
• Students: The student selection process is a defined process. Students must submit a written request for admission, letters of recommendation and complete an entrepreneurial profile.
• Classroom: The class meets downtown at the innovation center. This helps the students establish a common identity based on their CEO experience and a greater appreciation for our areas professional work environments.
• Funding: Funding comes from Business Partners, the Community Foundation and student projects.
• Mentors: CEO mentors help students immerse themselves in real life learning experiences with the opportunity to take risks, manage the results, and learn from the outcomes.

Experiential Learning

Sangamon CEO teaches business concepts through experiential teaching. In CEO, you will learn problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking through hands-on instruction with subject matter experts and business leaders from throughout the community.

Skills you will Learn

• Venture Investing
• Marketing
• Data Analyis
• Accounting for Decision Making
• Business pitching