FORSYTH, Ill. (WAND) - Clinton County IL CEO students held their Trade Show event at Hickory Point Mall on Thursday evening, showcasing their semester-long business projects.

This year, 13 students participated in the program, with each representing a different business. The event featured a diverse range of products, including dog bandanas, wax melts, and colognes.

According to Melanie Brown, a facilitator of the program, students must go through a selection process to join, and not everyone is accepted.

"They have to write a letter of intent and they have to have references. And then the board looks at those and the name, gender, GPA all of that is blocked out. So they look at the letter of intent and the references and really see what students are hardworking, motivated and trustworthy. And are ready for the CEO program," said Brown. 

Funding for this event is generated from a project called Melody Masterpieces, which took place in the first semester. The money raised from this event is divided among the students to help them create their own businesses or services. This year, the students raised $30,000, which will be used for their second semester project, including their business plans and execution.

Additionally, students can seek extra funding through grants.

One student, Devin Wrestler, shared that the CEO program has transformed his life. He feels much more confident and self-assured. Devin's business idea focuses on social media marketing, and the program has allowed him to work remotely, enabling him to travel while working on his laptop—exactly what he had always dreamed of.

"It just made me really confident. [this program], it means everything," said Wrestler. 

To learn more about the program, click here.

Copyright 2025. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.