We interview key people who are making Career Exploration a reality for Maine's youth.
Here Lana Sawyer, Extended Learning Coordinator with the Maine Department of Education, shares her wealth of experience and knowledge!
MCEP: Describe your role with the Maine Department of Education (DOE):
I’m the Extended Learning Coordinator in the Office of Workforce Development and Innovative Pathways at the Maine DOE. My work centers around Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs)—experiences outside of the traditional classroom, with an emphasis on community-based career exploration, (which may be credit-bearing). I support schools in developing ELO programs, including career exploration opportunities for younger students. I also help to raise awareness about ELOs and their impact throughout the state.
You have a lot of experience within the education and workforce development realm. What do you think are key elements to helping young people find career opportunities?
Career exploration, hands-on learning, a caring adult mentor, and access to resources are all key elements in helping young people find career opportunities. These components are critical because they provide the guidance, exposure, and support needed for students to make informed decisions. A mentor can offer encouragement and personalized advice to build a young person’s confidence and motivation, while "hands-on" career exploration helps a student to understand workforce opportunities that align with their interests and strengths. Accessible resources spanning the financial, transportation, and technical assistance (i.e. resume writing and application completion) realms help to level the playing field.
Do you think paid work opportunities for youth are important?
While financial compensation is one type of currency important to youth, there are additional currencies that also resonate and motivate young people, including the experiential learning itself and the opportunity to earn academic credit. A recent evaluation of Maine’s Career Exploration Program included a survey of people who completed the program. Results indicated that the most motivating factor for youth participation in Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO)/Career Exploration programs is hands on learning (69%), followed by meaningful/interesting work (64%), and then paid work (40%) and academic credit (35%).
What are the components of a successful Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO)?
There are several components that are essential in creating a successful ELO.
- Student engagement: ELOs are often highly-customizable experiences that are student-driven.
- Time: Students have time built into their schedule that can be dedicated to their ELO, and the adults in their school are supportive of this.
- Assessment and reflection: Students learn from the experience something that they would be unable to discover in a traditional classroom setting. Their reflection and assessment of their experience is facilitated by their ELO coordinator.
- Community-focused ELO Coordinator: Relationships are key in connecting young people to ELOs and working in the community. For that reason, ELO Coordinators must be integrated into their school and community.
What are the top things you think are important for improving workforce development in Maine?
The top three things I believe are important for improving workforce development in Maine include increased work-based learning opportunities, engaging younger learners in Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO), and increased cross-agency collaboration.
Adding more innovative work-based learning opportunities, like ELOs, across diverse industries and schools in Maine is a way to not only attract young talent but to allow businesses to become more integrated into their communities. Young people who can try out careers and different industries in high school are more likely to make decisions that are right for them after high school. Sometimes, this may involve staying local and working for a business that they connected with through an ELO.
Many career exploration programs focus on juniors and seniors in high school and college students. However, research suggests that middle school (and younger) is an ideal time to start career exploration. This earlier focus enables students to be more prepared and to develop aspirations prior to high school and young adulthood.
There are many internationally-trained individuals in Maine who face significant barriers in entering the workforce. In my previous roles at Southern Maine Community College and Maine Department of Education (DOE) Adult Education, I met many college-educated immigrants who were underemployed here. Through supports like workforce training programs and the New Mainer Resource Center, progress has been made in supporting internationally-educated individuals.
Maine has many incredible programs and resources, and the more we can collaborate across agencies, make opportunities for younger people to engage with employers, and support New Mainer’s workforce transitions, the stronger our workforce will be.
Do you have advice for Maine businesses regarding how to attract young people?
Consider hosting an Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) at your business! Employers and local schools can work together to develop programming that’s mutually beneficial to the business and to the students. This could range from a program that makes students aware of your business (such as tours, classroom visits, and job shadows) to creating a workforce pipeline.
Other advice includes offering competitive compensation and benefits. Beyond receiving fair pay, many young people are interested in hybrid work opportunities, as well as companies that invest in work-life balance, a positive work culture, and room for professional development.
In speaking with students and their ELO Coordinators, I’ve noticed many young people seek work that is value-based. They’re looking to do something that is socially-responsible and purpose-driven and somehow contributes to improving the future. Some recent examples include working in sustainable fashion or water purification.
What are some positives to working with Maine’s youth?
Maine’s youth are creative and resourceful. They bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and technological skills that can help established professionals with their work challenges. Engaging young people also supports long-term workforce development and can help to retain local talent. When businesses work with youth, they can strengthen their brand, build stronger community ties, and support local economic growth.
Do you have any Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) success stories you can share?
Yes! Here are four, with many more available on our webpage.
A senior from Noble High School who wanted to study education at the University of Maine participated in a weekly ELO placement as a student teacher in a middle school special education setting. She was able to have a comprehensive experience working in multiple classrooms and grades. She has now completed almost a year’s worth of field experience and is starting her education program at the university.
- A student from Nokomis Regional High School told his ELO Coordinator that he wanted to become a pilot, so that ELO Coordinator established a connection with a local pilot. They met several times, and the student was able to fly the plane!
- A student from Belfast Area High School is passionate about entomology and was able to do her ELO at a local nature preserve. She got to focus on her passion and learned so much about herself and how she works with others. She’s planning to continue her ELO next year, as well!
- A Brewer High School student was eager to “try on” her dream of teaching and was able to do this through an ELO. That ELO provided her with teaching experience in multiple grade levels, and she was able to affirm that second grade is ideal for her. Since then, she has earned a scholarship at the University of Southern Maine!
