A central Illinois entrepreneurship program is underway in area schools, and local leaders say it is shaping up to be a great year.

On the WHOW Morning Show, Thursday, Melanie Brown, Facilitator of the Central Illinois CEO Program, told Regional Radio she has 15 students in her business class this year. 

Lisa Sheppard, Facilitator of the Sangamon Valley CEO Program, has 12 students in her class this year.

Sheppard reminds the CEO that programs give juniors or seniors hands-on experiences in the world of business, as well as a front row seat to businesses in central Illinois and all the things they do.

According to Brown, the program is more than field trips; there are many benchmark moments along the way, and each student is assigned a mentor who works with them as they embark on their class business and individual business.

The CEO program is supported through funding from the business communities in these districts. Sheppard stresses a business can only contribute up to a certain dollar amount to keep from control becoming an issue.

You can follow along with the Central Illinois CEO Chapter at centralillinoisceo.com or follow them on Instagram. You can also keep up with the Sangamon Valley CEO program at sangamonvalleyceo.com and follow them on Facebook.