FGCU, community partners help teens earn college credit, business acumen
- Bill Studenc
- Community
- Contributors: Photos submitted
6 – minute read
Collier County high school students are simultaneously earning college credit and obtaining real-world skills in business through an innovative partnership offered by Florida Gulf Coast University.
Launched in 2024, the Southwest Florida CEO Program in the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship provides a transformative opportunity for participants.
It combines entrepreneurial thinking, leadership development, community engagement and hands-on business experiences with community partners.
The initiative is part of the national Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program network, which provides a basic framework for activities that can be modified based on regional needs, according to program facilitator Kelly Wilson.
“Students gain far more than academic credit. They develop real-world entrepreneurial thinking, leadership skills and personal professionalism they can’t find in a traditional classroom,” said Wilson, the entrepreneurship school’s director of student success and community outreach programs. “Through daily interactions with business leaders, hands-on company visits, mentorship and experiential learning, students build confidence, discipline, teamwork, accountability, communication skills and real business experience.”
Each weekday during the school year, students arrive at participating business partners ready to engage with leading executives and entrepreneurs, she said.
“They learn how to turn ideas into action, how to collaborate with people and how to show up prepared and professionally — at 7 a.m. every morning. Most importantly, they leave the program with the mindset and work ethic of future leaders,” Wilson said.
“Our dual-enrollment partnership with Collier County is one of the many exciting initiatives we’ve launched,” said Bill McDowell, Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship and dean of the entrepreneurship school. “It gives students an early hands-on pathway into entrepreneurship, and we’re already seeing how this program is empowering young innovators to think boldly, build confidently, and shape their futures with intention.”
A mutually beneficial partnership
More than 20 partners work with the program’s current cohort, including Naples Comprehensive Health, Bank of America, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Arthrex, the Halstatt investment firm, Barron Collier Companies, Naples Airport Authority, the Collier Community Foundation, Fifth Avenue Family Office, The Naples Chamber, Venture X, Sails and Cogent Bank.
Community partners who serve as mentors frequently say they get as much out of participating in the initiative as the students do.
“Our partners enjoy mentoring future leaders, strengthening the local talent pipeline, giving back to the community, sharing their expertise and helping shape young people who could one day become employees, entrepreneurs or community leaders,” Wilson said.
“Partners also appreciate the professionalism and curiosity the students bring into their businesses.”
Among this year’s partners is Moorings Park, a luxury senior living community. “We partnered with the program because we believe deeply in intergenerational engagement, mentorship and giving back to the next generation of leaders,” said Brett Swanson, associate executive director of wellness. “Our residents have extraordinary professional backgrounds, and this program gives them a meaningful way to share their experience, purpose and passion.”
The partnership offers many benefits, according to Swanson, such as creating meaningful connections between students and leaders; seeing students grow in confidence, communication and professionalism; providing current and retired professionals with opportunities to mentor, teach and stay engaged; and fostering future leaders who value service, integrity and excellence.
“It’s mutually beneficial. The students learn from our residents, and our residents feel energized by being able to make an impact. Our mentors truly enjoy investing in these students. The conversations are rich with wisdom, life experience and encouragement,” he said.
“We are truly honored to host these students. It brings energy into our community,” Swanson said. “Watching a high school student sit across from a retired CEO, ask thoughtful questions and absorb decades of wisdom is incredibly powerful.”
Growing strong, innovative young talent
This year’s 18 participants are from Aubrey Rogers, Barron Collier and Gulf Coast high schools, First Baptist Academy, The Village School and home schooling. The inaugural Southwest Florida CEO class of 16 alumni includes Gage Miner, now a dual-enrolled FGCU student majoring in psychology while completing his senior year of high school.
“I benefited immensely from the program. It taught me the importance of professionalism, time management, public speaking, teamwork, independence and ‘everything business,’” said Miner. “Facilitators, various mentors and guest speakers from different businesses helped me and my peers take an idea and learn how to bring it to fruition. This was not something you could find anywhere else at the high school level.”
Miner said the experiences would help him meet long-term goals of graduating, earning an advanced degree in psychology and becoming a psychiatrist specializing in brain research. “In order to get there, and once I get there, I’m going to need funding, which I can obtain through presentations using my professionalism and public speaking skills or through connections I made in the CEO program,” he said.
“Moreover, I plan to own my own psychiatric practice, which is made 10 times easier through the business knowledge I gained from the program. I believe no matter what career or path someone takes in life, the skills and knowledge you take away from this program will help guide you,” Miner said.
As facilitator, Wilson said the program is unique, uniting public, private and home-school students in one classroom — something rarely seen in education today.
“The sense of community, early-morning commitment and exposure to real business leaders prepares students not just for college or entrepreneurship but for life,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to the local businesses and leaders who invest in our students. Their mentorship and willingness to open their doors ensure that Southwest Florida continues to grow strong, innovative young talent.”
