BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A new countywide program for high school students is hoping to finally launch its business and entrepreneurial program within the next month.
Crawford CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) is designed to give students insight into running their own businesses – both through the classroom and by starting their own companies, said Audrey Flood, board chairman of the CEO program.
The program is open to juniors and seniors in all seven school districts as well as home-schooled students, said Flood, of North Central Electric Cooperative. “It’s a hands-on class. It’s not a pretend. It’s a real active business. Real sales, real money, and an active bank account.”
Crawford CEO kicked off October 11, 2022. Since then, the board has been actively filling volunteer positions, soliciting donors, and recruiting participants, Flood said. “We’re mostly building up the list of people to support the program financially as well.”
The program, Flood said, is modeled after a successful non-profit organization, the Midland institute for Entrepreneurship in Effingham, Illinois. Staff members from the Midland Institute now visit other communities to help them get their own programs off the ground, she said.
The CEO mission is three-fold, Flood said. It’s designed to educate students, serve as a workforce tool, and eventually increase economic development in the area. It also connects students to community leaders through mentorship, guest speakers and visits to businesses, she said.
The discovery learning environment has two culminating experiences for students who participate, Flood said. One is a team-built class business, the other a real business the student creates, which is later showcased at a pitch competition and a trade show event.
Students enrolled in Crawford CEO earn classroom credits, Flood said. The 90-minute sessions will be held at different locations throughout the county, she said, with a goal of recruiting up to 25 students for the inaugural session as well as 60 business speakers.
Although CEO is similar to the worldwide youth organization, Junior Achievement, the model is different, Flood said. “This program is not meant to replace JA, but it definitely sets itself apart to kids that have an interest in this kind of thing. It’s a great addition to JA.”
The program operates entirely through community support, with a goal of enlisting 35 local businesses willing to donate $1,000 annually, Flood said. “We’re making connections to get the right people on the team. We’re really open to talking to people about this, when it launches and what it all entails.”
For more information on Crawford CEO, or to become a supporter or volunteer, contact Flood at 440-387-6562 or log onto info@crawfordcountyohioceo.com