Free Computer Classes Available at Project Self-Sufficiency

During September, Project Self-Sufficiency will offer classes in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and QuickBooks, as well as seminars designed for goal exploration, skills assessment and interpersonal growth. Separate sessions will be held for both women and men. Special courses for senior citizens will also be available. All courses will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. With the exception of the course for seniors, all classes are free; the course fee for seniors who are not agency participants is $25. There is a $10 course fee for participants in the Men’s Employment Lab.

Introductory and advanced courses in Microsoft Word will be offered. The introductory Microsoft Word class will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays, September 7th – 26th, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. An advanced Microsoft Word course is scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays, September 7th – 26th, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. A combination Microsoft I & II course will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 6th – 22nd, from 6:00 – 8:00 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 mailing labels and address letters to multiple recipients. Completion of the introductory course is a prerequisite for the advanced class.

An introductory Microsoft Excel course is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 6th – 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Instruction will include 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.

A course in QuickBooks Accounting Software will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 13th – 29th, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Students will learn how to organize personal or business finances, track orders and payments, generate invoices, monitor and manage expenses and produce sophisticated reports and sales forecasts.

Seniors can familiarize themselves with personal computers, learn how to use email and safely navigate the internet with “Better with Technology,” which will be offered on Fridays, September 16th – 30th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This class is open to agency participants as well as seniors from the public.

A special Men’s Employment Lab will be offered on Wednesdays, September 7th – 28th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Participants will receive assessment testing, discuss short and long-term employment goals, obtain basic computer instruction, and get help with resume development and job search techniques. There is a $10 fee for this course.

The Career Center at Project Self-Sufficiency is now offering participants new courses designed to maximize personal and professional skills, while combining career assessments, training and access to employment opportunities. The new Career, Education & Employment Foundations course bundles goal-setting exercises with introductory computer training and career seminars. Upon completion, students are poised to move on to more advanced computer training or enter the workforce. Separate sessions are available. Daytime courses will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, September 7th – 14th, or September 19th – 28th, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For those who prefer an evening schedule, the group will gather on Wednesday evenings, September 7th – 28th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The agency’s new Foundations for Personal Success series guides participants through interpersonal skills, such as anger management, effective communication, and establishing healthy relationships, as well as reviewing nutrition, social media and other topics. Daytime courses will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 6th – 15th, or September 20th – 29th, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A separate evening session will meet on Tuesdays, September 6th – 27th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The agency also offers a series of seminars on Fridays, from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m., covering topics such as “Resumes & Cover Letters”, “Interviewing Skills”, “Job Search”, “Financial Management”, and “Careering 101.” Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers help with obtaining a GED; job training for women, teens and young adults; career counseling and assessment; Job Start and Job Search services. Interested participants are encouraged to contact the agency for a schedule.

All computer classes at the agency are open to registered Family Success Center and Project Self-Sufficiency participant; the course for seniors is also open to members of the public. To inquire about eligibility, or to find out more about the computer courses, seminars or career fairs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.