This week, the CEO class has had the opportunity to participate in the University of Illinois Extension “My Hometown is Cool” training. This program focuses on helping communities recognize and celebrate the unique assets that make their hometowns strong, vibrant, and full of opportunity.

Throughout this training, students have explored the importance of community pride, local engagement, and the role young leaders can play in shaping the future of their hometowns. They have discussed how supporting local businesses, creating welcoming environments, and promoting community strengths can help attract and retain residents, visitors, and future entrepreneurs.

This program directly reinforces the mission of the CEO program by helping students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, strengthening community connections, and encouraging them to see opportunities for growth and innovation right in their own hometowns.

Experiences like this continue to help students recognize the value of where they come from while challenging them to think about how they can make a lasting impact. It will be exciting to see how these students will apply what they have learned as they continue developing their individual ventures and future leadership roles within our communities.

Thank you to Jennifer Russell and Michelle Berg with the University of Illinois Extension for investing in our students and helping them to continue to see just how cool their hometowns truly are!