Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs)
Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), a form of Micro-credentialing, 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 blend of academic instruction and assignments, such as papers and presentations, that combine experiential learning components, including project-based learning, internships, and job shadows.
Highlights
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.
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.
ELO Professional Credentials
With support from Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), an accredited two-year college, JMG offers three new asynchronous opportunities for professional credentialing.
Through this collaboration, educators can now pursue specialized badges and qualifications in the field of ELO, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in utilizing this rapidly growing curriculum delivery tool.
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
Topics Covered: What ELOs are, how they benefit students' education & the community, and having a supportive role in student experiences.
Level 1 - ELO Supporter
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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Erin Layng
Director of Micro-credentials
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 -
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
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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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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Katie York
Instructional Designer
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JMG does meaningful work and I'm excited to be a part of the impact.
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BS Secondary Education, Grand Canyon University
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