Affordable Computer Classes Offered at Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in August, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, an entry-level course in Microsoft Word, and an advanced class in Microsoft Excel.  The agency also offers courses designed specifically for seniors and for men.  All classes will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.   The fee for each class is $10, with the exception of the free Careering 101 course; students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants.

A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, August 8^th – 24th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 2nd – 18th, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  This introductory course is designed for first-time computer users or people with limited computer experience.  Students will learn computer basics, including the different components of the computer and how to perform simple procedures.  Fundamental keyboarding skills and a brief overview of popular software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Access will also be discussed.  

An introductory course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, August 8^th – 24th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 2nd – 18th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Students will learn word-processing techniques, including the creation of professional-looking letters, faxes, newsletters and other documents, as well as the use of mail merge features used to print address labels and address letters to multiple recipients.  Participation in the introductory level Microsoft Word course is required prior to registration in the advanced class.

Those interested in learning more about Microsoft Excel are encouraged to attend an advanced class on Mondays and Wednesdays, August 8^th – 24^th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 2nd –18th, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Instruction will center on the creation of spreadsheets, databases and workbooks for use in tracking inventory, sorting data and creating mailing lists.  Students will learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide rows and columns using formulas and become adept at storing, managing and interpreting data.  Students must complete the introductory level Microsoft Excel class before registration in the advanced course.

Microsoft Employment Lab for Men, a special class which introduces basic keyboarding skills and touches on Microsoft applications, will be held on Wednesdays, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., August 3rd – 31st.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

Seniors are invited to check out Better with Technology on Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., August 2nd – 16^th.  Participants will learn how to set up an email account and safely navigate the internet.

The agency will also offer “Careering 101,” a free three-hour seminar about interview skills, salary negotiation, cover letters, resumes, workplace literacy, job search, and networking techniques.  Careering 101 is offered every Tuesday, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers assistance with career counseling and assessment, Job Start and Job Search services.  With the exception of the Careering 101 course, the fee for each class is $10.  Careering 101 is free.  All computer classes at the agency are open to registered Family Success Center and Project Self-Sufficiency participants.  To inquire about eligibility, or to find out more about the computer courses offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.