First program in the state of Ohio officially set to launch this fall.
TIFFIN, OHIO – April 16, 2021 – The board of the Seneca CEO program announced today that applications for student participants and the part-time Facilitator position are now open. Individuals can apply at senecacountyceo.com. The Facilitator job application is open through May 10 and the student application is open through May 15.
Seneca County is on track to be come the 66th community nationally, and first in Ohio, to host a Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program which was developed by the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship to help high school youth successfully start new businesses and learn valuable skills.
A new 501c3 nonprofit called Seneca CEO was created last year to administer the program. Edward VanHoose, President of Federated Energy Services Cooperative including North Central Electric locally, is serving as the organization’s first president. VanHoose saw the program’s success firsthand when he worked in southern Illinois several years ago and is excited for the program to launch here in our community.
“I know this program works, makes business sense, and dramatically impacts local lives,” said VanHoose. “Our next step is to hire a Facilitator that embodies the spirit of the program and will be a great fit for engaging our students. We’re also looking for bright students to participate in the inaugural class beginning in fall of 2021.”
The program would not be where it is today without the generous support of the almost 40 community Investors who have committed financially to ensure that neither schools nor students are charged for the program, making it openly accessible to all students in the county. The organization also is seeking community business leaders to serve as speakers and one-on-one mentors for students as well as business locations to serve as visit sites.
Seneca County Commissioner Mike Kershner said, “This program will be a huge asset to our community’s educational, workforce and business infrastructure and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get involved.”
To apply, to learn more about the program or to enquire about getting involved in various ways, you can reach out at info@senecacountyceo.com , visit www.senecacountyceo.com and find Seneca CEO on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Seneca-CEO-110126164165302.
Seneca CEO Board members include Ed VanHoose of Federated Energy Services Cooperative, Tony Gorrell of Sutton Bank, Suzie Reineke of Reineke Family Dealerships, Nate Brickner of Bascom Communications, David Zak of the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, Sarah Stevens-Krupp of the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Seneca County Commissioner Mike Kershner, Dr. Laura Kagy of Seneca East Local Schools, Michelle Snay of Mohawk Local Schools and Ted Willman of Calvert High School.
More about the Facilitator Job Description
Seneca County CEO will prepare the next generation of strong effective leaders and be proactive in building our future economic growth through a transformational entrepreneurship program called Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO). Our community is seeking an innovative educator to facilitate the class - someone who believes that education extends beyond the classroom.
The CEO Facilitator will create a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, discover and experience learning through real life activities. The facilitator’s role is to model a passion for learning, connect with the students and community, collaborate with the CEO Board, and most importantly provide guidance to the students on their personal CEO journey.
CEO offers real life experiences through regular contact with local entrepreneurs and business people. Students in the program will come from area high schools and will meet from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM Monday - Friday during the school year. This is a half-time position. CEO requires a great deal of time from the facilitator to establish good relationships with the business community, prepare the many communications that make the program transparent, and build the learning environment that allows students to succeed. If you are passionate about cultivating lifelong learners, please send a resume with references to info@senecacountyceo.com.
More About the Midland Institute
The Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship was established in 2007 in Effingham, Illinois to oversee and promote the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) initiative – a year-long high school program created by Milken National Educator Craig Lindvahl designed to bring high school youth, entrepreneurs, and businesses together and provide an overview of business development and processes. Now, more than 200 schools offer the program. For more information, visit www.midlandinstitute.com.
