Youth Workforce Development
Extended Learning Opportunities
Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) are hands-on, credit-bearing courses outside of the traditional 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.
Healthy Acadia partners with Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) and local schools to design, implement, and expand ELO offerings in our region. To learn more visit https://jmg.org/extended-learning-opportunities or contact Corrie Hunkler at Corrie.Hunkler@HealthyAcadia.org or 207-255-3741.
Maine Career Exploration
Engaging Our Next Generation's Workforce with Paid Career Exploration
Healthy Acadia collaborates with Maine Career Exploration to support meaningful youth (16-24) career exploration.
The Maine Career Exploration Program connects Maine employers with young people (ages 16-24), offering 75 hours of paid work experience designed to strengthen Maine’s workforce. Through hands-on career exposure, businesses can engage with the next generation, educate them about their industries, and build a future talent pipeline. This program not only creates valuable recruitment opportunities but also shows Maine’s youth that they have a bright future right here in their home state.
By introducing students to diverse career paths, the program prepares them for success in Maine-based careers, fostering long-term workforce growth and supporting the local business community.
The program is supported by Manpower, in partnership with dedicated Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Coordinators, ensuring students are effectively onboarded and prepared for their work assignments.If you are a young person or employer in Washington County who would be interested in utilizing this program, please contact Corrie Hunkler, ELO Coordinator at corrie.hunkler@healthyacadia.org or (207) 598-8519.
More information
Extended Learning Opportunities | Maine Department of Education
Extended Learning Opportunities in Maine | Maine Department of Education on YouTube