Getting Started with ELOs
- ELO Definitions PDF
This document provides different examples of components of ELO programming. Please note the definition is out of date and the updated definition can be found in statute.
- MOOSE Career Readiness Learning Progression
Maine Life and Career Readiness Standards.
- Maine C3
C3 is a grassroots Maine based organization comprised of education professionals working to support students with career exploration opportunities.
- JMG ELO
JMG is proud to offer ELO resources to all publicly funded high schools in Maine—at no cost. These resources are designed to help schools establish, expand, and elevate their ELO offerings. They include curriculum support, ELO paperwork templates, resources for ELO program implementation, and more. Please view this JMG ELO resource to learn more.
Organizations & External Resources
- Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) – Gulf of Maine Research Institute
LENE connects educators across classrooms, libraries, parks, after-school programs, and other community settings to help youth build climate and data literacy. Through peer communities and shared learning, educators can explore ways to make STEM skills relevant to the climate challenges facing their communities.
- Oral Health Navigation Learning Series Toolkit
The learning series provides an in-depth exploration into oral health foundational knowledge. It includes self-paced online modules that may be followed by additional employer-specific training content and experiential learning. ELO students may use the learning series to explore potential careers in the dental health sector, and as a base for further education along the dental career pathway. A micro-credential through the University of Maine system is available at completion.
- MMTA Career Exploration Trailer
The Maine Motor Transportation Association has a mobile unit that travels throughout Maine to expose youth to career pathways in the transportation industry. The Career Exploration Trailer can travel to schools upon registration and confirmation through the website. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Derek at MMTA for more information and/or to book the unit.
- SAE for All
This program was created to provide every student in agricultural education programs with access to invaluable work-based learning opportunities. This innovative delivery method ensures that no student is left behind in gaining practical, hands-on experience. Students can choose between two distinctive types of SAEs tailored to their interests and career goals: Foundational SAEs, which build essential skills and knowledge, and Immersion SAEs, which dive deeper into specialized, real-world agricultural experiences. There are many resources and templates in their Educator Resources and Student Resources (for grades 6-12).
- Maine Construction Academy
Maine Construction Academy is a group of industry professionals dedicated to providing registered pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and career pathways in Maine's construction and transportation industry.
- Sponsored Programs | Maine Career Catalyst
Educate Maine's Career Catalyst program provides professional development, social opportunities and networking for experiential learners working in Maine.
- Career Conversations from Junior Achievement
JA's mission is to educate Maine students in grades K-12 about work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, empowering then to own their own economic future. They do this through community volunteers and the support of Maine businesses, individuals, and foundations.
- ELO NH Network
The New Hampshire Extended Learning Opportunity Network (NH ELON) is a collaborative of education professionals and partners to education, with specific attention to ELO Coordinators and those assisting with Extended Learning Opportunities for students. This network is interested in advancing the implementation of ELOs throughout the state by honoring our vision and values to provide credible, reliable, valid learning experiences. At this time, this is an all-volunteer organization that does not collect membership dues. The mission of the NH ELO Network is to advocate, educate, and advance best practices for Extended Learning.
- Career Pathways Maine Retail Related
Retail Careers for ME partners with the National Retail Federation Foundation's RISE UP curriculum and Maine Office of Tourism to create "Retail Careers for ME" which aims to promote retail career opportunities available in the state of Maine as well as retail training and credentials to jump start careers or refresh skills.
- Maine Tourism Association
The Maine Tourism Association offers career pathways in tourism, resources for students educators, and businesses, and a job board.
- New Hampshire ELO Resources
Beyond Classroom is a New Hampshire Based ELO network (ELON). They offer resources for students, educators, and ELO examples.
- Labor Market Information for Students
Maine Department of Labor information on jobs in Maine.
- Teach Maine Outside
The Maine Environmental Education and Outdoor Learning Resource Directory is a dynamic and searchable tool that parents, educators, and community members can use to discover new environmental learning partners and collaborators in their area.
Marketing for ELOs
- ELO Explainer in 8 different languages
- ELO Resource flyer
- ELO Posters
- ELO Videos
Research & Data
- Maine Career Exploration Final Evaluation Report
The Data Innovation Project of the Catherine E. Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine's Muskie School of Public Service developed this evaluation of the Maine Career Exploration program that spans 2022-2024.
- Maine Career Exploration Interim Evaluation Report
The Data Innovation Project of the Catherine E. Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine's Muskie School of Public Service developed this report Maine Career Exploration Program's first year.
- Published Dissertation by Elizabeth Sanborn (ELO Coordinator at Sacopee Valley High School):
Tell me, What Is It You Plan to Do With Your One Wild and Precious Life? A Phenomenological Analysis of the Efficacy of Extended Learning Opportunities for Career Readiness in Maine
- OECD Career Readiness
The OECD Career Readiness project is designed to provide new advice to governments, schools, employers and other stakeholders on how to best prepare young people to visualize, plan and prepare for their working lives. Drawing on international datasets, the project identifies forms of career development that can be expected to enhance ultimate employment outcomes.
- Center for Workforce Research and Information (CWRI)
The Maine Department of Labor's Center for Workforce Research and Information includes information on Maine's occupational outlooks, information for career exploration, jobs and employment information, and education and training outcomes.
- ACE Mentor Program of America
ACE Mentor Program (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) offers mentorship for young people and they have a Southern Maine chapter currently. ACE is made up of affiliates serving local communities. Each affiliate has a board of directors, program leaders, and a number of student teams. Teams are led by their volunteer mentors who are professionals from the build industry. Each team is set up to emulate an actual design team, with students guided through a mock design project by their architect, engineer, construction management, and tradesperson mentors. Mentors assist the students as they work towards a final project, introducing them to the careers, industry vocabulary, and various roles companies play in the construction industry.
Postsecondary
- Early College Opportunities
The Early College/Aspirations Program ensures that participating students have opportunities to explore or begin a post-secondary degree or certificate while still in high school. To be eligible, students must be a publicly funded student or a registered home instruction student and meet certain general and academic requirements. The participating institutions must have course space available and may require prerequisite courses for enrollment.
- List of Micro-Credentials – University of Maine System
The University of Maine system offers several micro-credentials. Some are appropriate for youth that are still in high school as well.
- Apprenticeships
Use this tool to find a Maine Department of Labor registered Apprenticeship program.
- FAME
Financial Authority of Maine (FAME) supports a wide array of business assistance programs, ranging from traditional loan insurance programs for both small and larger businesses, to investment tax credits. FAME also administers Maine's higher education finance programs. Through a variety of loan, grant and scholarship programs, FAME helps Maine students and families meet the costs associated with higher education. To aid in this important effort, FAME oversees an extensive outreach and counseling program designed to encourage young people to aspire to and pursue higher education. FAME also serves as administrator for Maine's 529 education savings plan. In addition, FAME offers financial education programs and outreach for individuals looking to improve financial well-being, for parents interested in saving for education, and for educators or employers looking to build financial wellness in their classrooms or organizations.
Professional Development Recordings and Opportunities