MATTOON- Continuing in his second year as the Coles County Entrepreneurship Program (Class E), Vincent Walk of Mattoon is geared up for his class of twenty-one students. Walk brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial and educational experience through his interest in Vinnie & Al’s Pla-Mor Golf and the Walkway as well as 21 years as a teacher for Mattoon CUSD2.
“Vince’s combination of business operations experience and teaching experience fits well with the Class E position,” said Advisory Board Chairman, Carl Walworth. “He is well connected throughout our region, which helps him open doors to opportunities for students. He has experience bringing business community members into his classroom to work with students in engaging ways, which also is consistent with the way Class E works.”
Walk has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and an associate’s degree from Lake Land College. He joined the Mattoon High School faculty in 2000. He’s been involved in many community organizations, including Babe Ruth Baseball. He was a 20 Under 40 recipient in 2006.
Walk is teaching Class E most mornings at Elevate unless the class is touring a business onsite and spends his afternoons teaching Economics at Mattoon High School.
Class E is a countywide class that meets away from the high school campuses each morning. Students receive hands-on instruction that focuses on entrepreneurial thinking and business best practices. Students plan and start businesses using startup funds generated through the class. The class tours local businesses and industries, hearing firsthand about a variety of business and nonprofit operations. The class regularly has guest speakers that lead discussions related to a range of workplace-related topics.
Upcoming high school juniors and seniors apply to participate in Class E. “Each year we see students generate thousands of dollars from their efforts,” said Laura Sullivan, director of the Eastern Illinois Education For Employment System, which administers the program. “Students enhance their communication and related life skills, they appreciate more about the existing businesses in our community and they take important steps toward whatever is next for them in life, be it college or moving into the workforce.”
Class E is funded by the community. In past years, local businesses donated money specifically to pay for the class. The Elevate board that is operating the new business incubator at the Cross County Mall continues to take on the fundraising this year.
Own or know of a business Class E should tour? Email Mr. Walk at: vincentwalk@mcusd2.com.