Sanford High School and Sanford Regional Technical Center are making waves with its Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELO) this school year, offering students hands-on experience in various industries and career paths.
ELOs at SHS and SRTC provide students with the opportunity to have learning experiences at a business or community organization or with community experts in particular fields.
The program has already seen significant interest early on in the school year. Career Aspirations and ELO Coordinator Sally Quarles said 56 applications had been handed out, including 24 SRTC internships, seven Sanford High School internships, 22 co-op students receiving elective credit for community work, and one fire science student doing ride-along.
"A lot of students are excited to know that this is available to them," Quarles said.
Quarles coordinates with business partners, community members, the SRTC program instructors, and teachers to devise a plan to get the student's education credit. It also includes hands-on experience for students.
The ELO program is continually evolving to meet student needs. There are plans to extend opportunities to underclassmen, with a focus on career exploration for freshmen and sophomores.
"We're kind of working on restructuring the whole opportunity," Quarles said. "It might look something like a ninth-grade student doing career exploration and then getting out in the field as a sophomore."
Additionally, SHS and SRTC have partnered with Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) to provide pre-apprenticeship programs, further enhancing the range of experiences available to students.
An upcoming College and Career Fair on November 7th at Sanford High School will give students more opportunities to explore future pathways.
Furthermore, there are plans to bring industry professionals into classrooms to connect curriculum with real-world applications. This initiative aims to help students see the practical relevance of their studies across various subjects, from math to English.
"I want the word to get out there," Quarles said. "The kids are so excited when they hear that there's this opportunity for them."