CEO program presents a model example of a school-community partnership


Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with students enrolled in the Southwest Minnesota CEO Program. This program offers a new type of educational endeavor for area students. At the core of the program is a focus on entrepreneurship. Their website sums it up nicely: “Entrepreneurship education seeks to prepare people, especially youth, to be responsible, enterprising individuals who become entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial thinkers and 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 17 students I met hail from participating high schools such as Pipestone, Luverne, Edgerton, Hills-Beaver Creek and Adrian. They begin class each day at 7:15 a.m. Classes are conducted in each participating community and largely held at offices and facilities of partnering local businesses.

Through the course of the school year they will learn much from these non-traditional classrooms, then each will develop a business plan and put that plan into action as they endeavor to launch their very own business.

A few things struck me as I learned more about them and the program. First, this is a great learning experience. By visiting with local businesses across a broad spectrum of industries, these young people have an opportunity to hear first hand from businesses making things happen in southwest Minnesota. Each business they hear from will share their own experiences, challenges and successes. Gaining insight from those working a business every day should prove to be highly valuable lessons.

Second, this is a great group of young adults. In the 90 minutes I shared with these students, I again realized how blessed our community is by their presence. They remained engaged in the conversation and asked very thoughtful and probing questions. I could easily sense their desire to learn and the seriousness to which they approached the opportunity afforded them.

Finally, the CEO Program is a shining example of a school-community partnership. The list of area businesses that support the program is long. Support has come in the form of financial assistance, hosting a classroom, or being a mentor or guest speaker. I’m a big believer in community involvement for students. The CEO Program provides a unique way to engage students in the community through this close partnership with regional business.

To the local volunteer board of directors, the program facilitator, our area high school administrators, and business supporters, I say, “Thank you.” Thanks for pursuing a different model of student education and development. Thanks for creating a platform to encourage entrepreneurship in Southwest Minnesota.

And to the 17 students who have seized the CEO opportunity:  make the most of it, learn all you can, and best of luck in all your current and future endeavors.