The Little Egypt CEO program has grown to 13 students this year, up from the four who participated last year.
The program also has new facilitators this year as Shannon and Mindy Cooney who are familiar names with downtown Centralia renovation and owning the Crooked Creek Winery have been hired to lead the students.
Shannon Cooney says there are four students apiece from Centralia, Salem, and Sandoval High Schools and one apiece from Patoka and South Central High Schools.
“Students will start with several class businesses where they will work together to build a business and grow that successfully. In the 2nd semester they will do an individual business and will culminate in a trade show where they get to represent themselves, but along the way we will visit as many businesses that will be willing to have us throughout all these Little Egypt CEO communities and bring in guest speakers to learn from. As well as mentors, and they will work dire3ctyly in building their class and individual business.”
Cooney says the students meet early each morning in business attire so they look professional for their visits to businesses throughout the area.
Mindy Cooney says she wished there was a CEO program when she was in high school to better prepare her for her college classes in business.
“Something we felt was on our hearts. We moved away to the city and came back and realized how much we are needed here and how much opportunity is really here. That is an idea I want to pass on to the youth. I want them to realize there is so much opportunity here. And that is what this program is about, the mission and vision of the program to contribute and be able to make a living in the communities you grow up.”
The Little Egypt CEO program is still looking for business sponsors to fund the program. Odin School Principal Quinton Marcum, who is the President of the Board, says they request a commitment of $1,000 a year for three years. Those who are interested in learning more can contact him at Odin School.
