Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs)
Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), a form of microcredentialing, allow students to earn academic credit through diverse, hands-on experiences outside the conventional classroom with an emphasis on community-based career exploration. They are highly personalized opportunities for students to engage in learning in ways that make sense for them and connect their learning to everyday life in meaningful ways. ELOs are a unique mix of academic instruction and assignments, such as papers and presentations, and combine experiential learning components like project-based learning, internships, and job shadows.
Outside the classroom
The basis of an ELO is that it is a personalized experience curated in a non-traditional way. The ELO experience happens outside the traditional classroom.
Highlights
Credit-bearing
What sets ELO opportunities apart from traditional enrichment options is that they are designed as credit-bearing options. This requirement is important to increasing equity in our schools.
Community-based
ELOs require the support of local communities and are designed to highlight local expertise, expose students to career options in their communities, and offer real-life application of student learning.
Example Program Structures
Some ELO programs use a largely virtual option, connecting students to virtual job shadows and interviews related to their academic content, allowing students the most flexible option for credit attainment.
Virtual
Sometimes, schools choose to have students attend occasional class periods, but use the rest of the "typical" periods as opportunities to shadow, intern, or develop projects and complete course assignments.
Weekly Class
The most in-depth and involved program option includes individual internship placements that are connected to fairly customized course frameworks and projects.
Internship
Flexible
ELO experiences are designed to be incredibly flexible, meaning they can function in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid setting. They can be designed to make best use of your specific resources.
The Value
Personalized
ELOs provide an opportunity to customize courses for those students who need more support, specific motivation, or excel in a certain area. They provide the chance to meet every student where they are.
Relevant
Every ELO is designed to connect real-life experiences with learning standards. This format means the content is highly relevant and engaging, often including valuable career exploration.
Our Learning Management System (LMS) is designed to support Maine ELOs, from professional development for school personnel and business partners to Maine Learning Standards-aligned course frameworks for students.
The JMG LMS is a virtual platform and a central location for professional development and resources that can interface with schools and businesses. The LMS offers course frameworks for individual schools to expand capacity, reduce workload, and improve data collection. The LMS has the capacity to scale as programs grow and incorporate additional programs as JMG needs shift throughout the years.
Interested in talking with us about using the LMS?
Connect by email elo@jmg.org
ELO Professional Credentials
JMG has joined forces with Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), an accredited two-year college, to create a unique partnership offering three new asynchronous professional credentialing opportunities for ELO professionals.
Through this collaboration, educators can pursue specialized badges and qualifications in the field of ELO, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in utilizing this rapidly growing curriculum delivery tool. This partnership ensures that learners receive a comprehensive and recognized education, combining JMG's expertise in ELOs with the academic rigor and accreditation of SMCC.
Professionals can use the credentials to deepen their work with students, maintain teaching certifications, expand business partnerships with education, and more!
Contact our ELO team at elo@jmg.org for more information on these exciting credentialing opportunities.
Industry Recognized Credentials
Level 1 - ELO Supporter
Topics Covered: What ELOs are, how they benefit students' education & the community, and having a supportive role in student experiences.
Level 2 - ELO Facilitator
Topics Covered: Being an instructor of record for ELO student(s), appropriate rigor, standard alignment, and curriculum, and working directly with students to provide academic ELO support.
Level 3 - ELO Developer
Topics Covered: How to support ELO Facilitators (regionally or by school), building and maintaining business partnerships, data collection, and arranging student placements.
ELO Stories
Maine Student Earns Credit with ELO: Writes, Directs, Stars in Own Musical
Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) are delivering new opportunities for Maine students by allowing them to follow their passions, learn vital life skills, and impact their communities while earning high school credit outside the traditional classroom. Hadley Johnson, a senior at Cape Elizabeth High School, wrote the music, lyrics, and book for the musical "Afterthought" and earned academic credit with the support of her school’s ELO program. Read more.
Meet the ELO Team
Sam Brink
VP Extended Learning Opportunities
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I love being part of a team that is results driven, student centered, and committed to pivoting to truly meet the needs of Maine's students.
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B.A. in English Language & Literature, University of Southern Maine
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Sarah Irish
Learning Systems Administrator
She/Her/Hers
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JMG allows me to work with students throughout the state of Maine.
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BS Simmons College, Masters in Education and Ph.D. in Educational Technology, Walden University
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Danielle Bowler
ELO Instructional Designer
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JMG provides students with opportunities to achieve their ambitions and reach individual success. It is an honor to be a part of an organization that is student centered!
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Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Social Studies, University of Maine Farmington
Minor in International and Global Studies
English Language Learners Certificate
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Jay Collier
Regional ELO Developer
He/Him/His
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I have developed learning programs in collaboration with high school, college, and business partners in Maine, and doing so at JMG is a dream come true.
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Bachelor of Science, Boston University
Master of Arts, Vermont College of Norwich University
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Erin Layng
Instructional Designer
She/Her/Hers
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JMG combines my love for purpose-driven learning opportunities in an evolving educational landscape.
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BA, Internal Relations
MA, Educational Leadership
Ed.D, Educational Leadership -
Lanet Anthony
Instructional Designer
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JMG is the perfect space for me to work with all my passions! I am able to work with high school students while also being able to work at a statewide level in ways that push me to grow and adapt.
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JMG Since 2021
Bachelor's in Youth Ministry
M. Ed. in Youth Development Leadership from U of Minnesota
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Shayna Webber
ELO Coach
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JMG offers a unique learning pathway for Maine students with results at the forefront of its operations. I love being part of a company that is always evolving to meet the needs for Maine students.
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B.A., Secondary Education, Husson University
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