From ideas to action… and we're just getting started! Gateway CEO is a year-long experience designed to help students grow as leaders, develop their entrepreneurial mindset and learn what it takes to turn ideas into reality.
We're intentional about the experiences we create and the milestones along the way. And one of the biggest milestones of the first semester? The Class Business!
As we shared last week, our Class of 2027 has been hard at work developing a business venture from the ground up. This week, they reached an exciting milestone: their first group presentation to members of the Gateway CEO Board.
And they showed up READY! Students have several dress code options throughout the year, depending on the event, but every single student chose to come dressed in full business professional attire.
They worked together to build their Canva presentation, with each committee taking ownership of its area, including operations, day-of activities, concessions, sponsorships and raffle opportunities.
Behind those presentation slides are a LOT of moving pieces: approvals, insurance, setup logistics, sponsor relationships, logo management, timelines and so much more.
The students arrived early to prepare for their guests, and while there may have been a few nerves, they did an excellent job presenting their plan. Each committee handed off smoothly to the next before coming together to answer questions and hear feedback from our board members.
The questions were thoughtful. The advice was valuable. And the opportunity to present a real business venture to experienced community leaders? Priceless.
And guess what? THEY RECEIVED APPROVAL! Now the next phase begins: planning, timelines, coordination and EXECUTION.
Next week, students will begin working through the details that turn an approved plan into a real event. And soon, we'll be sharing a SAVE THE DATE, with registration opportunities opening in the next few weeks!
This is what hands-on learning looks like. Students are building confidence, practicing professionalism, learning to work as a team and discovering that entrepreneurship involves so much more than a great idea.
It takes preparation, communication, problem-solving, accountability and the willingness to take ownership.
We're proud of the progress this group is making—and excited for what's ahead!
Class of 2027, it's time to put that plan into action. Let's go!
#GatewayCEO #ClassOf2027 #ClassBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #HandsOnLearning #InvestInTheNextGeneration
