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Here's What To Do:
Complete the Request More Information form to be notified when the application opens.
01
Sign Up For Updates
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!
Jack Alexander
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Jack Alexander is a senior at Edwardsville high school and a proud member of the CEO program. He previously played football and wrestled for his school and currently works part-time as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Edwardsville YMCA. Jack enjoys lifting weights and working on cars in his free time. For the past seven years, he has volunteered with his mother for the “I Support The Girls” charity, helping pack and transport donations to events, pantries, and storage facilities. He plans to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale to study Aviation with a minor in Finance, with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot. Jack is excited to be a part of the CEO program to build lifelong connections and gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.
Alethea Ball
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Thea Ball is a senior at Metro East Lutheran High School. Thea is on the MELHS tennis, basketball, and softball teams. She also participates in National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Honor Choir. Outside of school, she participates in the Quercus Grove 4H Club, her church’s youth group, and she is employed at Hamel McDonald’s. Thea enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies, deer hunting, and being outside. After high school Thea plans to attend college and become a middle school teacher. Thea is grateful for the opportunity to be in CEO and is excited for all the things she will learn this 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.
Lucas Lorenz
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Lucas Lorenz is a Senior at Metro East Lutheran High School. He is captain of the golf, basketball, volleyball, and robotics teams. He is a member of National Honors Society, band (He plays trumpet.), the Academic Challenge team, and the youth leadership team at his church. During his free time Lucas enjoys hiking, reading, and playing sports with friends. After high school Lucas hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy and major in aerospace engineering, computer engineering, or mechanical engineering. Lucas looks forward to the challenges offered by the CEO program and wants to apply the learned skills into his everyday life.
Simon Stearns
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Simon Stearns is a Senior at Edwardsville High School. He is a private pilot and takes every chance he gets to go fly and explore the amazing world of aviation. He is a proud member and youth recruiter for Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 864. He spends his free time playing Boy’s Volleyball for Edwardsville Highschool. Simon is also a member of National Honor Society, Future Aviators Club, Student Council and St. Clair Beekeepers Association. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and flying RC planes. Simon plans to get a degree in Professional Flight with a minor in Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance. He is grateful to be a part of the CEO program and is looking forward to making a business combining his love for aviation with his love for entrepreneurship.