A group of business leaders, led by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce and Austin Area Foundation, will host an informational meeting on a new, transformational learning opportunity for Austin area high school students called Mower CEO.

Business owners and managers from throughout the area are invited to attend the meeting, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Hormel Historic Home.

Mower CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) is a collaboration between schools and the business community that provides an overview of business development and processes.

Local businesses work with area schools to create project-based experiences for students by providing funding, expertise, meeting space, business tours and one-on-one mentoring. Students tour area businesses, learn from guest speakers, participate in a class business, and finally develop, launch and operate their own businesses.

“We’ve talked to business leaders and educators from other communities where CEO has been implemented,” said Tim Fritz, chairman of the Mower CEO Development Committee. “They have all said the same thing: ‘You have to do this.’ This program is different. It provides practical lessons in work ethic, personal and fiscal responsibility. It connects them to business people. And it opens their eyes as to all the opportunities that exist right here in their hometown.”

Students enrolled in CEO meet for 90 minutes every day throughout the school year at various business locations. Participants are selected through a rigorous application process; enrollment is limited and competitive.

Concepts learned through the class are critical. The 21st century skills of problem-solving, teamwork, self-motivation, responsibility, higher-order thinking, communication, and inquiry are at the heart of a student’s development throughout the course.

Both Austin and Pacelli high schools have committed to offering the program to junior and seniors, beginning in September 2018.

The Hormel Foundation is providing the initial seed money to enroll in the program through the Midland Institute. All ongoing, operational expenses will be paid by business investors and the class business that is developed as part of the program.

Businesses can participate as mentors, presenters, site hosts and/or program investors.

If interested in learning more about Mower CEO and how you can help develop young entrepreneurs, contact the Chamber at 1-507-437-4561. The Sept. 21 meeting is free of charge, but pre-registration is required by Monday, Sept. 18.

The CEO Program was developed by the Midland Institute in Effingham, Ill.,  as “the standard for entrepreneurship education in the United States.”

There are programs operating in more than 40 communities in Illinois, Minnesota, Utah and Indiana. For more information on CEO, visit www.midlandinstitute.com.