Governors State University School of Extended Learning

06/25/2026

The New Leaders Mentor Program (NLMP) concluded the 2025–2026 school year with a meaningful and energizing final event on May 10. The morning celebrated the accomplishments of new leaders from south suburban school districts and honored their professional growth throughout the year. Participants engaged in an interactive leadership activity, and Provost Schneller offered inspiring remarks that encouraged reflection, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership practice.

The celebration closed with a powerful professional development session centered on effective strategies for supporting students and families experiencing poverty. This session equipped leaders with practical tools to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding, and enhance their impact within school communities.

Since 2005, the NLMP has provided new principals, assistant principals, assistant superintendents, and directors with the tools, resources, and support needed to lead effectively and make a lasting impact on their schools and communities.

06/23/2026

Jaguars Jump and run: GovState students earn medals in Special Olympics - Illinois Region E Track and Field competition!

Read their story here:

(University Park, Illinois) - Recently competing in the Special Olympics Illinois Region E Track and Field competition, some Governors State University (GovState) Jaguar Jumps students are celebrating their medal wins.Julian Johnson, Thaddeus Simpson, Daniel Simpson (pictured left to right), and Don...

06/17/2026

The campus will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, due to forecasted severe weather conditions expected between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Check your email for more information.

06/13/2026

Even mascots need a mascot! 🧡 ⚾

Our ThunderBolts friend was excited to meet a mini version of our favorite campus mascot.

We’re happy to support the Windy City ThunderBolts alongside our Admissions Office tonight at Ozinga Field!

06/12/2026

BIG NEWS! Applications are NOW OPEN for Fall 2026!

The Jaguar Jumps Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) at GovState is helping neurodivergent students take the next step toward college, career success, and independent living.

Program Highlights:
✔️ Earn a 32-credit-hour certificate
✔️ Participate in two summer internships
✔️ Receive individualized educational coaching
✔️ Build career readiness and life skills
✔️ Experience full integration into the GovState college community

Financial aid options are available through FAFSA, CTP funding, and DORS for eligible students.

Spaces are limited to ensure personalized support and mentorship, so don't wait!
Begin your application today! https://tinyurl.com/JJ-Comprehensive-Transition

06/11/2026

Another Credit for Prior Learning success story! See how the program can work for you: https://www.govst.edu/credit-prior-learning

Service runs deep in Officer Chris Pratl's family, and GovState is proud to be part of that story.

Officer Pratl '11, '26 graduated this spring with his M.A in Criminal Justice, making history as the first student to complete the program under Governors State University’s newly implemented Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) pathway for law enforcement.

Through an extensive evaluation of his professional background in field training and crisis intervention, he demonstrated that years of high-stakes service carry academic weight, earning the maximum allowable CPL credits in the process.

Beyond his service with the Orland Park Police Department, Officer Pratl mentors undergraduates, proving that lived experience belongs in the classroom. He credits Criminal Justice faculty members, Dr. Janet Brewer and Professor Bruce Wilson for the support and encouragement that shaped his path.

Read Officer Pratl's full story here: https://conta.cc/4uwTbY7

06/03/2026

Congratulations to our Clean Jobs Workforce Program graduates!

Over the past several weeks, this dedicated cohort has gained valuable skills, industry knowledge, and career readiness training to prepare for opportunities in Illinois’ growing clean energy sector.

Through hands-on learning and professional development, participants explored career pathways, including:
• EV Charging Station Installation
• Electric Vehicle Technician
• Residential Energy Auditor

Join us in celebrating their hard work, perseverance, and achievements as they take the next step toward rewarding careers in clean energy.
The future is bright!

The CEJA Workforce Hubs Program is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

05/23/2026

Launch your career in Early Intervention (EI)!
The course is designed for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, new graduates, and early-career OTs/OTAs.
Participants will learn the credentialing process, explore best practices in assessment and intervention, develop a career action plan, and apply learning through real-world scenarios.

Course includes:
• 10 online modules
• 100% online with asynchronous and synchronous sessions
• Remote open meetings to support learning
• Networking and mentorship opportunities
• Certificate, badge, and CEUs upon completion

June 11 – August 20

Full details and registration: https://tinyurl.com/y2xr83c7

05/21/2026

SXL’s Michelle Sebasco is presenting at Prairie State College’s 12th annual Mental Health Conference today. Her session: Workforce Development is Mental Health: The Therapeutic Power of Purpose and Stability; Spotlight on Jaguar Jumps.

Also pictured is GovState counseling student Maria Scruggs.

Supporting conversations connecting workforce development and mental health!

05/18/2026

Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure at GovState’s STEAM Camp!

Hands-on science experiments, creative art projects, K9 units, fire trucks, FBI sessions, tie-dye, bread making, and more - every day brings something new and exciting!

📅 July 20–24 & July 27–31 (Monday–Friday)
⏰ 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
👥 Ages 10–16 (Middle & High School students)
💲 $400 (includes lunch and snacks)
⚡ Spots are limited

Register today: https://tinyurl.com/3txh398h

Scholarships are available! Visit the website for details.