Picture: Laura Sullivan: Director of the Eastern IL Education for Employment System (EIEFES), ClassE students: Katie Clatfelter, Zach Wetzel, Adalyn Wood, & Gunner Davis: Consolidated Communications. Photo submitted by Class E.
For Immediate Release
ClassE Receives Grant from Consolidated Communications
Mattoon, Ill. – April 22, 2022 – ClassE, The Coles County Entrepreneurship Class was recently awarded a $2,500 grant for its shared Maker’s Space from Consolidated Communications’ Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program. The program directs support to K-12 schools within the company’s service area in support of innovative, technology-focused learning programs that advance creative student learning, develop 21st century skills and promote critical thinking.
Class E is an entrepreneurial development class that aims to educate Coles County high school juniors and seniors about the opportunities and challenges of starting and running a new business venture. In this experiential-learning dual-credit class, the students are selected through an application process and, when accepted, they learn about being an entrepreneur and starting their very own business.
While touring and interacting with numerous Coles County business owners and working on a group business with fellow classmates, students develop leadership and professional skills that are important for success. By the end of the class, students will have created their own businesses, most of which will be supported by the equipment in the student maker’s space.
ClassE, which is taught by Vinnie Walk and supported by Elevate and local businesses hopes to create an intergenerational business success network that encourages students to remember their roots, resulting in potential businesses and job creation in Coles County, thereby securing its future health and economic vitality. Vinnie Walk can be contacted at vincentwalk@mcusd2.com.
“This program is designed to connect Charleston, Mattoon and Oakland students with business leaders and mentors to grow a local network for students to find their career in our community. The support of this grant, Elevate and many business mentors has created a sustainable, innovative educational program that will help shape the future of our students,” said Laura Sullivan, Director of the Eastern IL Education for Employment System (EIEFES). The EIEFES office serves as the Administrative Agent for the Program.
As the new home of ClassE, Elevate is proud to support the development of the community Maker’s Space. The space will help alleviate the need for ClassE to procure equipment every year for a business venture and allows the students to utilize their class funds on other business necessities, such as materials and marketing.
As a multigenerational facility, Elevate aims to provide resources and growth opportunities for those who are looking to start a business venture. As it looks for ways to increase services for the community, its intention is to provide a sustainable atmosphere that allows for growth and innovation for years to come. Elevate is grateful to Consolidated Communications and the other partners who have provided an opportunity to support its mission in the region.
Upcoming Events for ClassE are open to the public and include: April 29th 7:45am-8:45am Meet & Mingle @ Elevate (Cross County Mall) and May 4th 4:30pm-6:30pm The ClassE Trade Show @ Elevate (Cross County Mall) where ClassE students will be promoting their businesses & selling their products.
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