Lisa Ziegler & Craig Schmidt (Governor’s State University The School of Extended Learning)
Lisa Ziegler
The School of Extended Learning (SXL) at Governors State University serves as the continuing education and workforce development center for the University. Educational programs include short-term training that prepares individuals to enter the workforce, professional development and continuing education for individuals to advance in their profession, and English learning assistance for students and local residents. SXL programs also include a camp for middle and high schoolers, a testing center for academic and professional certification, mentor programs for educators, and the Knowledge Exchange for retirees, and semi-retirees. SXL works with local and regional businesses to identify gaps and provide customized workable training solutions.
Craig Schmidt
Craig Schmidt leads the School of Extended Learning at Governors State University, where he connects education with workforce and community needs. He oversees continuing education, professional training, and Registered Apprenticeship programs in manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, IT, clean energy, and drone technology. Through partnerships with employers, municipalities, and community organizations, he builds talent pipelines that prepare students and workers for high-demand careers, positioning GovState as a regional leader in workforce development and lifelong learning.
Industry: Education
Email: ContinuingEd@govst.edu
Phone: (708) 534-4099
Address: 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois, 60484
Position: Director, Grant Initiatives And Outreach, The School of Extended Learning
Website: https://www.govst.edu/sxl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govstate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/governors_state
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/governors-state-university/
“Community Engagement is an integral part of SXL’s work. We participated in 50 plus Career/Job Fairs and Community Events attended by hundreds of students, elected officials, businesses, and community members.”
About the Spotlight Member
The School of Extended Learning (SXL) at Governors State University serves as the continuing education and workforce development center for the University. Educational programs include short-term training that prepares individuals to enter the workforce, professional development and continuing education for individuals to advance in their profession, and English learning assistance for students and local residents. SXL programs also include a camp for middle and high schoolers, a testing center for academic and professional certification, mentor programs for educators, and the Knowledge Exchange for retirees, and semi-retirees. SXL works with local and regional businesses to identify gaps and provide customized workable training solutions.
“Every Spring, SXL is a proud partner of the annual Southworks Robotics and Drone Competition. Each year, hundreds of high school student teams from across the state attend to showcase their talents and aim to win! Southworks is sponsored by Amazon.”
About the Company
Governors State University (GSU) is the only public university in Chicago's south suburban area, serving approximately 7,750 students. GSU provides affordable and accessible undergraduate and graduate education to culturally and economically diverse students with undergraduate tuition that is the most affordable in the Chicagoland region.
“We support and partner with multiple Chambers of Commerce (Chicago Southland, Frankfort, Joliet, Chamber 57, and the Council for Working Women), Economic Development Corporations (Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, Will County Center for Economic Development), workforce agencies (Calumet Manufacturing Industry Sector Partnership, Calumet Area Industrial Commission, OAI, Inc., community colleges, Workforce Services of Will County, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership), and many school districts and community organizations.”
Mission Statement
Governors State University (GovState) is committed to offering an exceptional and accessible education that prepares students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in a global society. The School of Extended Learning (SXL): SXL is committed to meeting the diverse needs of our students and partners by providing a transformative and enriching learning experience for all.
Vision Statement
GovState will create an intellectually stimulating public square, serve as an economic catalyst for the region, and lead as a model of academic excellence, innovation, diversity and responsible citizenship.
“SXL served 6,028 individuals! The School of Extended Learning wrapped up its 2023–2024 year, serving 1,783 individuals through programs including continuing education, industry credentials, employee training, Jaguar Jumps, The Knowledge Exchange (TKE), conferences, youth programs, and school district partnerships. SXL’s Testing Center conducted 4,245 exams for industry credentials and GovState students. In addition to this, hundreds of individuals were reached by staff representing GovState at local events and committees, hosting events and information sessions, and our work connecting high school students to careers.”