At Norris learning occurs through authentic open-walled opportunities where learners engage in real-world applications related to their interests. Our Community Partners are instrumental in providing these anytime, anywhere learning experiences.

Extended Learning Opportunities

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) connect learners with field practitioners throughout the local or global community who provide opportunities such as career talks, job shadows or other career related activities that build each learners' skill and confidence to enter the workforce.  These experiences provide opportunity for learners to engage in career research to identify roles, responsbilities, skills & dispositions, education/training, and labor market projections for a particular field of study or career pathway.

ELOs may be arranged virtually, at Norris, or on-site at the community partner place of business.  During these experiences learners explore the career field including exducational requirements, job opportunity, and advancement.  By exposing learners to a wide ariety of ELOs they are able to explore a variety of careeer pathways, engage in job shadowing, informational interviewing and even extra curricular or part time work based learning opportunities.  These experiences help young learners develop the tools for job seeking including resume building, job applicaiton, and interview skills.

Examples of Extended Learning opportunities include:

• Chef Emerson Holliday, Entrepreneur and Owner of Dragon Pit BBQ is a valued community partner who engages with our youth to provide real life experiences through perseverence, grit and determination. Through hands on experience Chef Emerson is able to provide our youth with real life demonstration of barbeque techniques and entrepreneurial practices.

• Sarah Christman, Farm Horticulturist at Hunger Task Force maintains virtual collaboration with learners to provide opportunities to volunteer in the areas of harvesting, donating time, and the maintenance of crops. We are anxiously anticipating taking leaners to the Hunger Task Force farm for further learning opportunities in the field of Agriculture.

• The Carpenter's Union offers a guided tour and explanation of apprenticeship opportunities for the youth. Learners are able to see production and simulations of potential career opportunities within the Trades and Services industry, including welding, flooring, carpentry, cabinetry and electrical work.

Become an Extended Learning Practitioner

Extended Learning Practioners (ELPs) are experienced professionals who share their professional expertise with learners to expose or engage learners in a deeper exploration of that career field.  ELPs often begin by meeting with a group of learners either face to face or virtually who are interested in learning more about their professional career, hobby, or interest. ELPs often continue to support learners who take an keen interest in their field through continued experiences including job shadows and even work based learning opportunities.

To learn more or become an Extended Learning Practitioner please contactEmail Norris Academy .  We will connect you with our Employability Specialist to explore the possibilities.