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Here's What To Do:
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!

Brooke Wade
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2023
Joining Edwardsville CEO is a decision I will never regret. It offers so many unique experiences and lessons which cannot be found anywhere else.

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.

Cooper Wittek
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Cooper Wittek is a senior at Edwardsville High School. He is a dedicated and active student inside and outside of the classroom. Cooper currently serves as the Vice President of Student Council, Treasurer of the Edwardsville National Honors Society, a member of the National English Honors Society, and President of the Business Professionals of America Chapter, where he helps lead peers in service and professional development opportunities. In addition, he is a varsity athlete in both cross country and track, podiuming and competing in the 3A-Illinois State Finals for both, a statement of his discipline and commitment. When he isn’t running, Cooper is passionate about giving back and volunteers his time to support his school and community. He is also deeply dedicated to his church, where he participates and strengthens his faith through service as a Eucharistic Minister and a Lecturer. Since the beginning of high school, he has been striving to get into the Edwardsville CEO program, and now that he has been accepted, he looks forward to gaining hands-on experience into learning the business world while building skills for future entrepreneurial success. After graduating from Edwardsville High School and completing CEO, Cooper is excited to transfer his athletic and academic talent to the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue a bachelor in Finance and Economics.

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.

Grace Nesbit
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Grace Nesbit is a senior at Father McGivney Catholic High School. She is a dedicated member of the varsity volleyball team, and now serves as co-captain. She is currently a house leader, National Honors Society Committee Head, the National Honors Society Secretary, a student ambassador, a member of the hair department for the drama club, and a member of the knitting club. Outside of school, she loves to read, spend time with her loved ones, and do group exercise classes like yoga. She also runs a social media account where she shares her daily experiences, inspiring girls to be themselves. Grace has been an employee at The YMCA as a childcare worker for over two years, and babysits whenever her schedule allows. In college, she plans to major in nursing with a minor in Spanish on the path to become a nurse practitioner and possibly own her own clinic. Grace is excited for the opportunity to be a part of the CEO program, meet new people, and gain knowledge that will last a lifetime!

