Extended Learning Opportunities

Grades: 10-12  Credit: varies  Length: varies   Expectation Level: 3  

Prerequisite: Meet with career pathways coordinator to discuss interests and establish learning goals

The Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program offers students hands-on, credit-bearing educational experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting with an emphasis on community-based career exploration. ELOs plans are tailored to the student’s interests and goals and offer engaging learning experiences that allow them to develop skills important to their future success in the workplace, college and beyond. 

ELOs are customized learning experiences that look different for each student, however, they offer safe, structured and engaged learning opportunities outside of a traditional course and/or the school day. ELO plans can include a combination of experiences that are tied to the student’s goals, such as: 

• Job Shadowing

• Informational Meetings/Interviews

• Workshops and Guest Speaker Events

• Independent Research with Mentor Oversight

• Teacher Assistant/Classroom Helper

• Internships

• Pre-apprenticeships 

ELOs support and complement the learning taking place in the traditional classroom experiences by building on concepts with hands-on experience. From engineering, law and healthcare, to music production, business development and veterinary medicine, students earn elective credit in their field of interest by completing an established learning plan that includes field experiences and tasks that are tied to their goals.  

Students often work with professionals in our community who become mentors to them in their areas of expertise. The energy, initiative, skills and interest that students bring to their ELO can be helpful to the business or community organizations that they support as partners.  Student, mentor and/or teacher and the career pathways coordinator work together as a learning team with check-ins throughout the duration of the ELO.

Interested students are asked to contact the career pathways coordinator or their school counselor for more information.

Text and materials: ELO Learning Plan, Agreement & Permission Forms 

Expectations: Strong independent work habits, time management and communication skills, organization, personal initiative, curiosity, and self-motivation 

Parameters

• Need at least one study hall

• Block 1 or 4 study hall preferred for optimal flexibility for ELO

• Credit is Pass/Fail, 0.25 to 0.5 elective credit depending on ELO

• SPS covers students’ Worker’s Compensation Insurance

• Students responsible for transportation to and from work site*

• ELOs are not through current workplace or employment

* Students with transportation needs should see the ELO Coordinator

Benefits for Students

• Build a relationship with an adult mentor in professional organization

• Develop experience and professionalism that lead to success in the workplace

• Sharpen soft skills such as communication, organization, initiative and time management,

• Become engaged in work and take ownership of your own learning

• Develop long-term goals for career/college planning

• Complete training and certifications before graduation