Maine educators are invited to register for the 2025 Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Winter Workshop, hosted by Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG). This event will take place on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor and is appropriate for a range of backgrounds – from experienced ELO facilitators who are seeking to refine their approach to educators new to this innovative curriculum delivery method who are interested in learning more.
ELOs are recognized in Maine statute as an educational pathway offering students personalized and hands-on learning experiences that connect academic standards with real-world opportunities. The Winter Workshop is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to create or enhance ELOs to better support student success.
Highlights of this workshop include:
Interactive Sessions: Dive into microlearning, application activities, and guided work sessions tailored to specific needs.
Peer Collaboration: Connect with fellow educators and ELO experts to share best practices and strategies.
Practical Takeaways: Learn how to align ELOs with state learning standards, integrate group-based approaches, and leverage the ELO Learning Management System on Canvas.
Student Voices: Hear firsthand from Maine students about the transformative impact of ELOs on their learning journeys.
Thanks to funding provided by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development’s Maine Career Exploration Program, registration and food costs for participants are fully covered by JMG. Attendees will also receive a certificate for five contact hours, applicable toward educator recertification.
With spaces filling quickly, now is the time for educators to secure a spot. Please register here.
Between June and September of 2024, 267 students in fourth through sixth grade participated in the Maine Out of School Time (MOST) Career Exploration grant program. Through this program, these students engaged in activities that allowed them to explore diverse career paths in their communities in a hands-on and intentional way. This happened through more than 60 visits to different employers and businesses, as well as visits from several guest speakers, including a clinical psychologist, a Maine guide, and a cartoonist. Students were introduced to fields ranging from health care and technology to trades and the arts, giving them a broad understanding at an early age of careers they might explore in the future.
Eight groups across Maine participated in the MOST grant program:
Alan Day Community Garden in Norway provided career exploration opportunities to participants through gardening, local tours, guest speakers, and community immersion.
The Boys & Girls Club of Bangor developed and incorporated a Virtual Reality Career Exploration component into its program in addition to community-based career exploration.
The Boys & Girls Club of Kennebec Valley held themed weeks, and high school mentors helped to guide youth in their career exploration.
The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine incorporated career exploration into its Bridge to Success program to help youth successfully transition to careers and college.
The Intercultural Community Center in Westbrook hosted a “Power Summer” with field trips, diverse guest speakers, and project-based learning.
MCD Global Health Baileyville Community Connections Center held community-immersed trips for participants to explore businesses in Washington County and neighboring counties.
North Haven Community School explored green businesses and provided opportunities for youth to learn about careers focused on environmental sustainability.
Tree Street Youth in Lewiston integrated career exploration into its WILLOW workforce program, providing participants with soft skills and career exploration, ranging from guest speakers to employer visits to “on the job” opportunities.
The MOST grant program was funded by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding, provided by the American Rescue Plan Act. The Maine After School Network supported this work. Building on the success of the career exploration experiences of high school students in Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO), this grant program provided career exploration opportunities specifically for younger students.
By exposing young learners to potential careers early on, the MOST grant program aimed to build a foundation for students to gain confidence, develop aspirations, and make informed educational and career choices. Participants reported an increased understanding of themselves and what they might like to pursue professionally. They also said they learned something new about careers and/or career pathways and that they felt better prepared for career exploration.
While visiting the Passamaquoddy Tribal Warden Services, a ten-year-old participant in the MCD Global Health program in Baileyville said, “This is so neat! I want to work here when I’m 17!”
At Tree Street Youth, one of the participating students was interested in news, reporting, and videography. They were able to help create, produce, and direct a video public service announcement encouraging people to stop vaping. This student interviewed community members, utilized large filming equipment, and practiced interviewing skills. Tree Street Youth won the Healthy Community Coalition award for this video project.
Students at the Intercultural Community Center visited WisMaine Farm in Westbrook weekly, developing a better understanding of and appreciation for local food systems around their community. They created themed career exploration topics, like “Future Foodies”.
At Alan Day Community Garden, students were prompted on the first day of the program to write down or draw a picture of what careers they wanted to pursue. At first, several students said they wanted to become YouTube content creators, but by the end of the program, these students had identified other career options, including a chef, a teacher, and a job in the military. One student said he was interested in becoming a musician and shared lyrics for a song he recently wrote. Parents frequently pulled staff aside to express their gratitude for what the MOST grant program provided, as students who were once chronically identified as disruptive in a classroom setting thrived in this community-based and hands-on environment.
When the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine visited the Portland Fire Department, firefighters there presented career exploration talks. One child enjoyed the experience so much that he didn’t want to take off a fire helmet and insisted he hopes to wear it again someday when he becomes a firefighter.
The success of the MOST grant program highlights the importance of not only introducing children to career possibilities but also the power of fostering curiosity and helping young people to connect to their communities. This program served students from all parts of the state with different backgrounds and experiences. Of the 267 students served, 88% were identified as economically disadvantaged, 62% were BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), 42% were multi-lingual learners, and 17% of the students were experiencing homelessness.
The Extended Learning team at the Maine DOE worked with Black Fly Media to produce a short video, showing how the Maine Out of School Time Career Exploration grant program engaged students this summer!
On Thursday, Oct. 10, world-famous and Grammy Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma visited Merrill Auditorium for a performance with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its 100th anniversary season. Thanks to some enterprising educators, Portland Public Schools (PPS) high school orchestra students had a unique opportunity to watch Ma rehearse earlier in the day before the concert.
Ashley Terison, an orchestra educator at Lyman Moore Middle School and various elementary schools, spearheaded this unique effort.
“Tickets for the actual concert sold out within minutes, so it is extremely unlikely that students would have had the opportunity to see this performer otherwise,” Terison said.
Other teachers in the PPS orchestra department—Kim Robison, who teaches at King and Lincoln Middle Schools and various elementary schools, and high school orchestra teachers Audrey Cabral and Abby Hutchins—worked with Terison to ask Portland Symphony Education Coordinator McKenzie Blanchard for permission for students to attend the rehearsal. Attendance was approved for all PPS high school orchestra students and their teachers.
“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Ma and the Portland Symphony Orchestra for this extraordinary opportunity for our students,” Cabral said.
Cabral and a PPS music student were interviewed about this opportunity for a story by the Portland Press Herald. You can read more here.
This article was provided by Portland Public Schools. To submit good news from your school, fill out the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) good news submission form.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking applications from Maine school administrative units (SAUs) and community-based organizations partnering with SAUs for the Extended Learning Opportunities Expansion 2.0. The purpose of this funding is to develop new Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) programs or to expand current ELO programs.
To be eligible, applicants must be an SAU, Career and Technical Education school, Adult Education diploma program, or a community-based organization partnering with a local SAU.
The 2024 ELO Expansion 2.0 Request for Applications (RFA), also known as grants or grant RFA, is available here. (See RFA 202410182.) Applications are due Friday, November 15, 2024.
The Extended Learning Opportunities team at the Maine DOE recently partnered with Black Fly Media to produce a short video that shows the impact of ELOs throughout the state. Watch the video below to hear from ELO coordinators, students, school leaders, and employers as they share about ELOs in their communities!
Calling all Maine educators! Join your colleagues for the 2024 Maine ELO Summit, taking place on August 13th at the Brunswick Hotel. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Success, Fostering Sustainability,” promises an inspiring day filled with valuable insights and discussions on Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs). The summit is open to all Maine school personnel and supporting partners. Registration and meals are fully covered by JMG with support from the Maine Department of Education (DOE).
What are ELOs?
ELOs are a form of micro-credentialing that allow students to earn academic credit through diverse, hands-on experiences outside the conventional classroom. They emphasize community-based career exploration and are highly personalized opportunities for students to:
Engage in learning in ways that resonate with them.
Connect their learning to everyday life in meaningful ways.
ELOs combine elements of academic instruction (projects, papers, presentations) with experiential learning (project-based learning, internships, job shadows).
The Value of ELOs:
Flexible: ELO experiences can be designed for in-person, remote, or hybrid settings, allowing schools to utilize their resources effectively.
Personalized: ELOs offer the chance to customize courses for students who need additional support, specific motivation, or excel in a certain area. They cater to individual learning styles.
Relevant: Every ELO connects real-life experiences with learning standards. This format translates to highly relevant and engaging content, often incorporating valuable career exploration.
2024 ELO Summit Highlights Not to Miss –
Student Stories: Be inspired by students sharing their firsthand ELO experiences!
Dynamic Workshops: Interactive sessions will feature microlearning opportunities followed by facilitated workshops to translate insights into actionable plans.
Engaging Discussions and Networking: Connect with your peers through panel discussions, networking receptions, and collaborative planning sessions.
Don’t Miss Out – Registration is Free!
Register today and be part of the exciting future of ELOs in Maine! For more information, including a full agenda for the day, please see the event flyer.
(Pictured: ELO Coordinator Kevin Napilillo and JMG Teacher and Career Counselor Becky Kash brought several Brewer High School students to the Summit. Three of the ELO students were featured as guest speakers on panels; two in construction ELOs and one in a teaching ELO.)
More than 500 employers and young people recently gathered at Bangor’s Cross Insurance Arena for the Maine Employer Summit. Hosted by the Maine Department of Labor and the Maine Department of Economic Development, the event provided a vital platform for employers seeking resources and solutions to pressing workforce challenges. Participants also had the opportunity to connect with young professionals, government agencies, State of Maine resources, and fellow business leaders to explore workforce opportunities.
During the event, there were several opportunities in which participants could engage in discussions on breaking down barriers to attracting, hiring, and retaining employees from diverse communities, sharing best practices, and fostering innovative solutions to create a more inclusive and sustainable workforce.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) organized a panel on engaging local youth through work-based learning. This panel highlighted multiple forms of work-based learning, including extended learning opportunities, pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship, and adult education, which includes integrated education and training. As an interactive component of the panel, JMG partnered with Maine DOE to facilitate a conversation with employers on implementing work-based learning into their place of business.
The Work-based Learning to Engage Local Youth panel featured Brewer High School ELO students Luke and Aiden, Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors, Hannah Greene from Educate ME, Michael Scannell a Maine Aquaculture Apprentice, and Karen Morin, Adult Education Career Navigator.
Adults listen to youth as they share what engages them in workforce.
The event featured an Innovation Hall with companies offering job opportunities, virtual reality or live demonstrations, mock interviews, and resume help staffed by Adult Education Career Navigator Kate Points and College and Career Success Coordinator Audrey Kimball, among others with career expertise.
People’s Inclusive Welding had live welding demonstrations for attendees.
Mari O’Neil discusses Retail Career Pathways
A Northern Light employee assists a young person in a CPR demonstration.
A young person tries out BIW’s virtual reality equipment.
Portable Pie Place showcased a large variety of their handheld pies for attendees to sample.
Breakout sessions also delved into strategies for creating more inclusive and sustainable workplaces. These discussions highlighted the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by different demographic groups, including New Mainers, young and aging populations, people of color, individuals with disabilities, those seeking re-entry into the workforce and the LGBTQ+ community.
No-cost headshots were offered to attendees during the sessions and at the Innovative Hall.
Several presentations and workshops showcased the latest innovations in workforce development. The emphasis was on practical solutions employers could implement to improve workforce dynamics.
Through the many interactive sessions, attendees shared their experiences, challenges, and successes, helping to identify effective practices that could be adopted by other organizations facing similar challenges.
The Maine Employer Summit emphasized the critical role that collaboration and innovation play in addressing workforce challenges. The event not only provided valuable resources and insights but also inspired attendees to think creatively about how to build a more inclusive and resilient workforce. The success of the 2024 Maine Employer Summit sets a positive precedent for future gatherings, ensuring that Maine remains at the forefront of innovative workforce solutions.
During financial literacy month in April, Doug Ware, the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator at Mount Ararat High School, hosted a Financial Fitness Fair for the junior class.
Doug Ware, ELO Coordinator at Mt. Ararat engages with a student working on their financial fitness packet. Around them credit union representatives talk with students about financial literacy.
The school gymnasium buzzed with energy as students navigated through booths and interactive activities. Each station provided a hands-on learning experience related to finances. Students experienced a simulation of their future monthly budget based on their career of interest and gained valuable insight into possible financial challenges they may face in adulthood. The goal for the students was to pay for all of their monthly expenses but without paying more than they earn each month.
“Students have really enjoyed the Financial Fitness Fair events,” said Ware. “They report to have learned much about building credit, managing budgets, prioritizing expenses, and planning for the long term. We are working to ensure that all Mt. Ararat high school students graduate with at least basic financial literacy.”
“This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of working for a credit union,” said Jennifer Anderson, Senior Vice-President of Retail Services at Five County Credit Union and President of the Jeannette G Morin Credit Union Chapter. “I love the fact that multiple credit unions from around the state work together regularly to volunteer at our local high schools and talk to students about budgeting while also sharing our industry knowledge and advice with them. Even though we are each other’s business competition, we believe so strongly in the philosophy of people helping people and financial well-being for all that we bind together as Maine’s credit union industry to bring these events to our communities.”
Credit union volunteers discuss housing options with students based on their income.
Incorporating financial literacy into secondary education is crucial in equipping youth with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of personal finance. This is an opportunity to instill confidence and empower students to take control of their financial futures.
Credit union volunteers host Financial Fitness Fairs at no cost to schools. Jake Holmes, Director of Outreach and Financial Education at the Maine Credit Union League, shared how, collectively, credit union volunteers have hosted Financial Fitness Fairs for nearly 73,000 Maine students since the program’s inception in 2004. Credit unions that serve the same geographic regions work together to host these money management events.
One of the most popular stations was the “Life Happens” booth, where students could spin a wheel, and the arrow would land on an unexpected life event, ranging from dental work to a car accident. This exercise highlighted the importance of living within one’s means and prioritizing financial goals.
Credit Union Volunteers help students assess the transportation options based on their budgets.
By participating in these fairs, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of financial responsibility and the long-term implications of their financial decisions. They learn to make informed choices about future savings, avoid debt pitfalls, and plan for major life expenses like college or homeownership.
Financial fitness fairs empower high schoolers to build a solid foundation for their financial well-being and can help set them on a path toward a more secure future.
ELO Coordinators like Doug Ware provide broad connections to the community and hands-on learning experiences for their schools. This event is one example of the immersive educational events that ELO Coordinators across the state help to provide.
Students take a break from the interactive booths to assess their budgets.
“I have worked to support credit-bearing ELO experiences such as internships, independent studies, and work-based studies,” explained Ware. “I have also made an effort to connect students to unique learning opportunities that enhance the great work that is already happening in our classrooms. Many such opportunities arise from relationships that we have developed with members of our business and non-profit communities. The Financial Fitness Fair is one such example. We feel very fortunate to have incredible partners like Jennifer Andersen, Jake Holmes, and their team of generous volunteers from Maine Credit Unions. Their engagement with students has such an important impact. I also credit the Mt. Ararat staff and administrative team. Our school community places value on these enriching experiences, and many are willing to pitch in when needed to make things happen!”
This month, at Nokomis High School, ELO Coordinator Kristine Eisenhour has arranged a Financial Fitness Fair for their students and others are in the planning stages. Mount Ararat High School and Nokomis High School were both awardees of Maine Job and Recovery Plan grants totaling more than $5.6 million, supporting 26 programs across Maine covering 13 counties. In a world where financial literacy is more important than ever, ELO Coordinators and their communities are helping to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Apply Now! Schools, community-based organizations, and childcare providers can apply for the 2024 Maine Out-of-School Time Career Exploration grants through the Maine Department of Education (DOE). These grants support meaningful career exploration opportunities for students in grades 4 – 6 that connect students with Maine businesses and career opportunities, which may include experiential learning trips, guest speakers, job shadows, and more! Underlying these experiences is critical to helping students build and strengthen relationships with caring adults and peers in their schools, childcare centers, and communities.
Funded through Governor Mills’ Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, the 2022 Statewide Expansion of Extended Learning Programming has engaged hundreds of secondary students throughout the state in real-world career exploration experiences. The Maine DOE is excited to build on these successes to reach younger students in this expanded career exploration program. The 2024 Maine Out-of-School Career Exploration Request for Applications (RFA, also known as grants) is available here: Grant RFPs and RFAs | Division of Procurement Services (maine.gov).See RFA 202404087
Schools, nonprofit organizations, licensed or licensed-exempt child care providers, municipal parks and recreation departments that are current members of the Maine Recreation and Park Association, and public librariesmay apply. Please see the RFA for explicit information and definitions on eligibility and allowable uses of funding.
Grant awards will range in size, with $300,000 available. The 2024 Maine Out-of-School Time Career Exploration grant requires a marketing and outreach plan for reaching students from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as an emphasis on Maine DOE’s Whole Student Framework.
This funding can potentially facilitate career exploration for students in grades 4 – 6 before, during, or after school, on weekends, and/or during the summer. Applications will also be considered for schools and organizations that wish to use the funding to enhance or expand existing out-of-school programming. Grants are expected to be awarded at the beginning of June. All programming must be completed by September 1, 2024.
State employees, including the Maine Department of Education (DOE), recently participated in the annual Take ME to Work Day by hosting their children and/or children they know for the day at the Maine Capitol Complex and at state-operated locations across Maine.
The day offered a chance for state employees to give their kids the opportunity to learn more about what they do for the people of Maine and see first-hand the inner workings and importance of our government.
Take ME to Work Day started with tours of the Maine State House, followed by a visit from Governor Janet Mills in the Hall of Flags. She greeted the kids and employees and delivered a message about the meaningful and fulfilling work of state government and its many employees.
Maine DOE’s Laura Cyr providing a tour.
Maine DOE’s Laura Cyr providing a tour.
Students in the Capitol dome.
Governor Mills addressing students and employees in the Hall of Flags.
While the state had many other activities for kids participating in Take ME to Work Day, the Maine DOE once again took the opportunity to provide a jam-packed day full of fun experiences and learning opportunities for Maine DOE employees and their kids.
Following the State House tour, a mock legislative hearing was held with the help of Laura Cyr, a member of Maine DOE’s Legislative Team. Cyr explained to students about the Legislative Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and the types of bills they oversee. Then, students volunteered to pretend to be senators and representatives on the committee and hear about a mock bill: An Act to Improve Education by Lowering the Driving Age (to 10 years old). After introducing the hypothetical bill, each student got the chance to speak about the bill, either in favor, against, or neither for nor against the bill.
Laura Cyr leading students in a mock legislative hearing.
Laura Cyr leading students in a mock legislative hearing.
Students in the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee room at Maine’s Capitol Complex.
Students brought up many important points, including that it would be convenient to be able to drive themselves to school if they missed the bus, that anyone young or old who has a driver’s license should have to take driving classes, and that kids are probably not ready to be driving at age ten. They also discussed the potential parking kerfuffle that would take place at school if, suddenly, everyone younger than ten years old was driving to school. Ultimately, the kids decided that the bill would need many changes if it were to proceed.
Following the mock hearing, students and adults got the opportunity to ride a Thomas Electric Bus from C.W. Cressy & Son. On the ride, which took everyone across Augusta’s Memorial Bridge to more State of Maine office buildings, students enjoyed the quiet bus ride and talked about the fact that there is no traditional engine when you open the hood. The group also learned that charging an electric bus takes about 3 hours and will ride for 150 miles on that charge.
posing in front of the Thomas Electric Bus.
Riding on the Thomas Electric Bus.
Over across the bridge, the group’s destination was a visit with Maine DOE’s Child Nutrition Team to see the culinary classroom and participate in a make-your-own-pizza lunch. Led by Chef Michele Bisbee and her daughter, students learned about the different learning opportunities afforded to school nutrition staff across Maine, both in-person and remote, through the culinary classroom. They also washed up and made their own pizzas. While the group waited for lunch to cook, Chef Bisbee quizzed them on the different food groups and discussed the intricacies of serving nutritional food in Maine schools. Bisbee ended the discussion by asking kids to thank the school nutrition staff at their school next week when school is back in session.
Chef Bisbee helping students with a make-your-own-pizza lunch.
Chef Bisbee helping students with a make-your-own-pizza lunch.
After lunch, the group rode the electric bus back to the Capitol Complex and joined the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology Team’s Jon Graham to learn about and have hands-on fun with computer devices as part of Maine DOE’s Maine Teaches Computer Science (CS) initiative.
Following a brief overview and history of the Maine Learning Through Technology Initiative (MLTI), Graham showed kids all of the older and newer MLTI devices and showcased some of the computer science tools available to Maine schools through Maine DOE-administered grants and opportunities, such as Sphero BOLTs, Sphero Indi Cars, and a Dash robot. These tools allowed students to play around with and try computer coding in real time. Maine leads the nation in offering universal computer science education.
The day was full of fun opportunities, laughs, learning, new friends, and possibly some budding future Maine State employees.
Maine’s Take ME to Work Day occurs annually in the spring; for more information about the program, visit Maine’s Bureau of Human Resources Page.
(Pictured: Emma Witham, a student at BCOPE, RSU 71’s alternative high school program)
Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education is RSU 71’s alternative high school program, which was funded by a grant from the Office of Substance in 1990.
The program began in a small rental space down the street from Belfast Area High School. In 2002, the district built the program their own building, which was designed by students. The campus includes a 4000 square foot building equipped with four classrooms, a full kitchen, a band room, an organic garden and a greenhouse. The program currently serves 33 students 16 of which have a parent or sibling who has attended there.
“Over the years, we have worked with many community partners,” said Helen M. Scipione, BCOPE Teaching Principal. “One of our most recent partnerships is with Village Soup, The Republican Journal, which is our local weekly newspaper. The editor, Jim Leonard, did an article on BCOPE last year and he was so impressed with what he experienced, he offered to mentor a student reporter. We quickly took him up on his offer.”
Emma Witham, one of BCOPE’s current students is a gifted writer and she accepted the challenge. Emma’s mother, Krystal, and her sister, Abby both graduated from BCOPE. Her twin sister, Ava, also attends BCOPE now.
Emma recently had her first article published and it is not only the history of BCOPE, it is her experiences with alternative learning.
“We are extremely proud of Emma and BCOPE and we’d like to share it with you,” said Scipione.
In Emma’s words, “I have been honored for who I am at BCOPE and it’s an experience I’ve never had before. I am extremely grateful for BCOPE.”
Maine DOE Newsroom 