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Here's What To Do:
Complete the Request More Information form to be notified when the application opens.
01
Sign Up For Updates
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!
Campbell Hayes
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Campbell Hayes is a senior at Edwardsville high school. She has been a dedicated member of the varsity tennis team since her sophomore year. She was new to tennis as a freshman. She spends her free time on the courts, baby sitting & teaching tennis lessons. She is also a coach through the ETA program for the past 2 years. In her free time she is consistently creating, spending time with friends and family. Campbell will attending Illinois College in the Fall of 2026. She plans to study biology with a minor in business while continuing her tennis career as a collegiate athlete. Her 10 year goal is to become a pediatric dentist & possibly have ownership in a practice. Campbell is excited to be part ceo and looking forward to all the experiences and opportunities it will provide and to gaining knowledge that will benefit her future.
Kennedy Womack
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Kennedy Womack is a Senior at Edwardsville High School. She is a member of the Edwardsville CEO program as well as National Honor Society. Outside of academics, Kennedy spends most of her time juggling two different competitive dance teams which include, Studio E Dance Company and EHS Varsity Dance Team. She also spends time volunteering at the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. She enjoys exercising her leadership skills while being a captain of the EHS dance team and teaching young dancers at her studio. She hopes to continue her passion for dance by minoring in dance in college and accomplish her long-term entrepreneurial goals by majoring in business. Kennedy is excited for the opportunity to be in the 2026 CEO program and looks forward to learning lifelong skills she can use to expand her future career in business.
Kylie Brunton
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Kylie Brunton is a Senior at Metro East Lutheran High School. She enjoys being the captain on her school’s competitive dance team. She also participates in Fuel (a student-led Bible study she created her freshman year), National Honor Society, Student Embassy, Academic Challenge, the debate club, and the drama choreographer and combat scene captain and theater hair/makeup. She also appreciates getting to spend time with her family. In the future she hopes to do a dual major in early childhood and elementary education to become a kindergarten teacher. Being a CEO student has inspired her to make good connections within her community in order to develop a career network, entrepreneurial mindset, and skills that will last her a lifetime. She is so thankful to have received this opportunity.
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!
Schaefer Bates
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Schaefer Bates is a senior at Edwardsville High School. He spends time on the tennis courts and at the gym. In his free time, Schaefer likes to hang out with his friends, golf, and play pickleball. He is a dedicated podcast host of The Jungle Sports Podcast. He is also a member of the Superintendent Student Advisory Board, Key Club, National Honor Society, Boys Varsity Tennis Team, and Care Closet. He prides himself on being a good communicator who is always looking to learn. Schaefer’s future plan is to get a degree in business and become a successful entrepreneur. Joining the CEO has inspired him to learn how to network and to build connections. Schaefer is excited to see where his journey takes him and is grateful for the opportunities ahead.