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Complete the Request More Information form to be notified when the application opens.
01
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Fill out the request form below to learn more about CEO and receive text updates about the application process. You can do this whether or not the application has opened yet!
02
Start Your Application
When applications open, you’ll get a text with a direct link. Our blind review hides names and personal details, so selection is based on your potential and interest. The application is a simple 6-step process.
03
Submit Before The Application Window Closes
Late submissions won’t be considered. Submit a 150-word personal narrative on why you want to be a part of CEO, complete a character survey, provide the required character references (set by your program), and obtain parent/guardian approval.
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Alumni Testimonials
CEO Alumni bring a unique retrospective to the CEO journey. After experiencing CEO, alumni continue to utilize the skills learned to create an impact in the CEO community and beyond!
Jeremiah Watters
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Jeremiah Watters is a senior at Edwardsville highschool. He is a proud member of CEO and is involved in Edwardsville’s Football team and National Honors society. Jeremiah enjoys lifting, competing in triathlons, playing guitar, and working on cars. He gives back to the community by participating in his school’s Care Closet and Cards for Hospitalized Kids Club as well as helping with the Equipping the Called toy drive. This past spring and summer Jeremiah worked for the city's parks and recreation department as a maintenance worker at Plummer Park. Jeremiah plans on getting either a finance degree or mechanical engineering degree after high school. Jeremiah is excited for the connection with the community and hands-on experience CEO provides.
Sarah Henke
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2024
Edwardsville CEO has taught me so many valuable lessons that I can apply to the real world. It has been the highlight of my senior year!
Nicholas Dawson
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Nicholas Dawson is a senior at Edwardsville High School. He enjoys playing for the varsity soccer team in the Fall. During the offseason, Nick spends a lot of his time working at Bagley Farms Meat Market. In his free time, Nick enjoys hanging out with friends, playing pickleball, golf, video games, and cooking. After graduating, Nick plans to study International Business or Entrepreneurship. He has not yet decided on a school but plans to stay in the Midwest. His goals for this year are to make it to the state finals in soccer for the second year in a row and to be accepted into his desired schools. Nick is excited to see what opportunities are made possible by CEO.
Josephine Gehlbach
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Josephine Gehlbach is a senior at Edwardsville High School. She is currently getting her general college education done at Lewis and Clark Community College. Josie is currently working at Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness as an office employee, as well as a martial arts instructor for ages 3 all the way up to adults. Outside of school and work she enjoys going to see live music, volunteering for Special Olympics, spending time with friends, and doing anything outside or with ATVs. She hopes to earn her Certified Public Accounting license by 21 and work for a government agency, then go back to college to eventually become a forensic accountant for the FBI. Josie is excited to go through the CEO program to learn more about the business world, as the knowledge she will learn is priceless and is a huge advantage when entering the work force.
Schaefer Bates
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Schaefer Bates is a senior at Edwardsville High School. He spends time on the tennis courts and at the gym. In his free time, Schaefer likes to hang out with his friends, golf, and play pickleball. He is a dedicated podcast host of The Jungle Sports Podcast. He is also a member of the Superintendent Student Advisory Board, Key Club, National Honor Society, Boys Varsity Tennis Team, and Care Closet. He prides himself on being a good communicator who is always looking to learn. Schaefer’s future plan is to get a degree in business and become a successful entrepreneur. Joining the CEO has inspired him to learn how to network and to build connections. Schaefer is excited to see where his journey takes him and is grateful for the opportunities ahead.