Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) allow students to earn academic credit through diverse, hands-on experiences outside the conventional classroom. These experiences focus on real-world, community-based exploration, providing opportunities for students to build meaningful connections with local mentors and professionals. They engage students in personalized, interest or need-based experiences that are directly applicable to career and life aspirations. The Stearns ELO program offers students paid or unpaid job shadows, internships, group workplace tours, independent studies, and other career exploration services. ELOs empower SHS students to take ownership of their learning, while strengthening local communities through collaborative partnerships. The three-year project cost $1.9 million in total, with the Federal US Department of Labor Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) grant providing $1.2 million or 64 percent of the cost. The remaining $715,328, or 36 percent, will come from the school districts, which have varied sources of funding, and other grants secured by the nonprofit partners.