by March 25, 2024 1:11pm
BUCYRUS, Ohio (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) — A new countywide program for high school students is finally set to launch a business and entrepreneurship program within the next month.
“Crawford CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) teaches students how to run their own businesses through the classroom and by starting their own companies,” said Audrey Flood, CEO Program Chair. “It's designed to give you insight.”
North Central Electric Cooperative's Flood said the program is open to juniors and seniors from all seven school districts, as well as home-schooled students. “It's a practical lesson. It's not pretend. It's just an active business. Real sales, real money, and active bank accounts.”
Crawford CEO was appointed on October 11, 2022. Since then, the board has been actively filling volunteer positions, soliciting donors and recruiting participants, Flood said. “We are primarily in the process of compiling a list of people who can also financially support this program.”
Flood said the program is modeled after a successful nonprofit called the Midland Entrepreneurship Institute in Effingham, Illinois. Midland Institute staff are now traveling to other communities to help them set up their own programs, she said.
Flood said the CEO's mission is threefold. The purpose is to educate students, serve as a workforce tool, and ultimately promote regional economic development. It also connects students with community leaders through mentorship, guest speakers, company visits, and more, she said.
Discovery learning environments offer two great experiences for students who participate, Flood said. One is a team-built class business, and the other is an actual business created by students that will later be showcased at a pitch contest or trade show event.
Flood said students who enroll with Crawford CEO can earn classroom credit. He said the 90-minute sessions will be held at various locations around the county, and the goal is to recruit up to 25 students and 60 business speakers for the first session.
CEO is similar to the global youth organization Junior Achievement, but the model is different, Flood said. “This program won't replace his JA, but it definitely sets it apart for kids who are interested in this kind of thing. This is a great addition to JA.”
Flood said the program is entirely community-supported, with the goal of enlisting 35 local businesses who would like to donate $1,000 annually. “We're making connections to get the right people on the team. We're really open to talking to people about this, when it starts and what's going to happen with it.”
For more information about Crawford CEO or to become a supporter or volunteer, contact Flood at 440-387-6562 or log on to info@crawfordcountyohioceo.com.
