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Students describe internships, certifications and apprenticeships in Bonny Eagle ELO program
Summary
Teacher Shannon Gervais and two senior students told the board about the Extended Learning Opportunities program’s mix of career-readiness classes, internships, job shadows and certifications, including upcoming simulation-trailer offerings and local apprenticeship ties.
At the board meeting, Shannon Gervais, the district’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) teacher, described how ELO blends morning career- and college-readiness instruction with afternoon hands-on experiences such as job shadows, internships and apprenticeships. "Most of my students are upperclassmen so lot of them when they walk across that stage and get that diploma, they have a next step already set out," Gervais said, describing resume and interview work, informational interviews, and community partnerships.
Gervais cited examples of student opportunities: athletic training internships with Jenna McCurdy; CPR and first-aid certification earned through a mini-grant that supports athletic-training interns; cosmetology and hairstyling experiences; automotive technician apprenticeships with local businesses; an ACE mentoring program for architecture/construction/engineering; and an upcoming simulation trailer to provide CDL, forklift and diesel-mechanic exposure and virtual reality training in January, with scholarship opportunities for students who pursue those pathways.
Two seniors gave first-person accounts. Bailey Shaw said the class "has allowed me to experience all that an internship has to offer while continuing to balance my busy schedule and earn course credit," recounting experiences including the Inside Medicine Club and a shadow day in an ICU. Catherine Winslow described how ELO "encourage[d] me to develop a strong foundation in college and career readiness," credited the program with helping her pass CNA certification and find work, and said it helped her pursue early graduation and career plans in healthcare.
Directors thanked the students and teacher for the presentation. Director Carlo told the presenters they "have impressive speaking abilities in addition to your work experience," and the superintendent praised the program as "another pathway" that not every school offers.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; it was delivered as an informational item.
