Computer Classes offered in June at Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in June, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers and an advanced class in Microsoft Excel.  The agency will also offer a Job Club and Careering 101, as well as Microsoft & Employment Lab for Men, a course designed specifically for men seeking to boost their skills.  All classes will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton.   With the exception of the free Careering 101 class, the fee for each course is $10; 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, June 6th – 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 7th – 23rd, 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. 

Those interested in learning more about Microsoft Excel are encouraged to attend an advanced class on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 6th – 22nd, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 7th –23rd, 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 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., June 1^st – June 29th.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

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.

In addition to classes, Project Self-Sufficiency hosts an Employment Lab for participants who are interested in using the agency’s state-of-the-art computer lab to develop and practice computer skills, work on resumes, prepare effective cover letters, and conduct online job searches.    The Employment Lab will be held Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  The Lab will also be offered on Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.   Weekly Job Clubs will provide guided discussion focusing on relevant employment topics, and allow participants to share job leads, accomplishments and challenges.  Job Clubs will be held on Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:30 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.