Sangamon CEO

What is Sangamon CEO?

The Sangamon CEO program is a high school and college-level accredited program that connects students to business and community leaders and allows them to experience the challenges and rewards of running a business. The program is a collaboration between businesses and school districts in Sangamon County and uses a competitive application process.

Our Story

“CEO” stands for Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities. The Sangamon CEO program is a year-long study of entrepreneurship for high school seniors from 10 area high schools in and around Sangamon County.

The program is accredited at the high school and college level, and it is managed by iVenturED, an Illinois education non-profit.

It provides not only dual-credit through local colleges but also team-building, leadership training, and community networking opportunities for 40+ students each year.

Our Mission

We believe that high school students make meaningful impacts on our communities. As a result, we strive to empower Sangamon County students with the tools they need to grow themselves, make connections, launch a business, and ultimately work to build our community as they envision it.

Learn about the program

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Team

BENJAMIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Since 2015, Ben has taught the Sangamon CEO class and graduated more than 300 students. He has an MBA, MPA and is a Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education at the Illinois State University.

GRACE MAYES, ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST

Grace is a Sangamon CEO alum. While a student in Sangamon CEO, Grace won second place for her business in the CEOs vs. Sharks annual event. She is in graduate school at Liberty University.