Nov 19, 2021
MARSHALL — A new privately funded initiative aims to introduce teenagers to the rewards and challenges of the business world.
The program, called Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, is in the start-up phase at the Marshall and Murray County Central school districts. The school systems are working together to offer the CEO class to high school juniors and seniors beginning in the fall of 2022.
The year-long class will enable students to gain a variety of learning experiences that mirror the daily activities of a workplace.
One component will involve starting and operating a class business. There will also be business visits, guest speakers and hands-on learning at host sites.
“It’s different from any other class they can take in high school,” said Beth Ritter, director of teaching and learning at Marshall Public Schools. “They’ll go beyond the four walls of a classroom. It’s a chance to learn directly from employers and to gain experience with business concepts.”
To fund the program, school officials are looking to employers to invest $1,000 a year for three years. The funding will help to pay for a part-time CEO facilitator. It will also cover the cost of class materials.
The goal is to launch the program with $35,000 in start-up funds. Ritter said about $10,000 has already been pledged.
In addition to funding, organizers are canvassing employers to find some that want to serve as host sites, in which the class can visit the workplace for hands-on learning. Employers can also serve as one-to-one mentors for class members, facilitate workplace tours and visit the class as guest speakers.
Ritter said that employers are likely to see a return on their investment because of the opportunity to help young people who are likely to become valuable employees in the future.
“One of the needs for rural communities is to retain and attract young workers,” she said. “There are good job prospects in our local area. The CEO program will connect students with employers in ways that could lead to future employment.”
The class will be limited to about 20 students. It is open to any high school juniors and seniors. They will be chosen through a merit-based application process.
“It’s different from the internships that high schools already offer,” Ritter said. “They’ll have a wide variety of class experiences and will meet a full range of professionals. It should help as far as narrowing down their career goals.”
She anticipates that students will come into the CEO class with a high amount of self-motivation, based on getting the most out of the class experiences rather than just completing requirements for graduation.
“The benefits will depend greatly on the amount of time and effort students invest,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity for any student who wants to branch out into the community and learn directly from employers.”
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