The Harrisburg CEO Program led by Tina Norman stands as a powerful example of practical education at its best. CEO— Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities—is not your typical high school class. It’s an immersive, hands-on experience that allows students to step into the world of business, guided by real-world professionals and fueled by student ideas and ambitions.

For juniors and seniors like Kailyn Harbison, Myles Mattingly, Hannah Jones, Cheyenne Street, Laikyn Dooley, Taylor Michel, and Xavier Castros, the CEO Program has been a game-changer. Under the leadership of facilitator Tina Norman, these students are discovering the possibilities of small business leadership while gaining invaluable insights into the realities of business and entrepreneurship—from the ‘how-to’ tactics to soft skill strategies.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR HANDS-ON LEARNING
The CEO Program is unlike any traditional classroom experience. Rather than a more standard teacher-in-front, learners in seats approach, students dive into the business world by meeting local entrepreneurs, visiting businesses, and developing their own business plans. For many of these students, the program has provided a newfound sense of direction, but in virtually every case, it has broadened the opportunity inventory.

Kailyn Harbison, for example, entered the program curious but unsure of her future path. Through her experience with CEO, she may have found her passion at the nexus of entrepreneurship and natural health and wellness, and she’s exploring the possibility of doing something in that space. “The program opened my eyes to how much you can achieve with the right mindset,” Kailyn shares. “It’s not just about learning business terms—it’s about building something real.”

For Myles Mattingly, the program has fueled his passion for technology. “I’ve always been into computers and software, but CEO showed me how I could turn that interest into a business,” he explains. Myles is now thinking about a range of ideas, maybe even a tech-focused startup, thanks to the connections and knowledge he’s gained through the program.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND BUSINESS SKILLS
The CEO Program is designed not only to teach students about entrepreneurship but also to build their confidence as leaders. Students like Hannah Jones have found that the program challenges them to step out of their comfort zones. “At first, I wasn’t sure if business was for me,” Hannah admits. “But after developing a branding project and working with a local business, I realized I had skills I didn’t even know I had.”

Similarly, Cheyenne Street discovered her entrepreneurial spirit after being unsure about her future career path. “I never really thought about starting my own business,” she says. “Now, I’m open to working on ideas that could develop into something.”

The hands-on nature of the program is what sets it apart. Whether students are developing business plans, meeting with mentors, or working on real-world projects, they are learning by doing—an approach that builds both business acumen and self-confidence.

A PROGRAM WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT
One of the defining features of the Harrisburg CEO Program is its strong connection to the local community. Local businesses play a vital role, offering mentorship, resources, and insights to help students understand the complexities of entrepreneurship. The program thrives on these partnerships, which create a bridge between the classroom and the real world.

This community involvement is critical to the success of the CEO Program. By engaging with local business leaders, students see firsthand what it takes to build and sustain a successful business. It’s not just about learning the basics of business—it’s about becoming part of a larger network of support and opportunity.

LOOKING AHEAD
As the CEO Program continues to grow under the leadership of Tina Norman, it’s clear that the impact on students is profound. Each participant is walking away with more than just business knowledge—they’re gaining the confidence and skills needed to succeed in whatever path they choose, whether that’s starting their own company or pursuing higher education.

For the Harrisburg community, the CEO Program represents a bright future. It’s an investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and it’s a testament to the district’s commitment to providing students with opportunities that prepare them for life beyond high school.

In the words of one student, “CEO has changed the way I see my future. It’s given me the tools to make my dreams a reality.” And with the continued support of Harrisburg Schools and the community, those dreams could be the beginning of something pretty special.