Affordable Computer Classes Offered at Project Self-Sufficiency

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in February, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, an advanced class in Microsoft Excel, an introductory course in Microsoft Word, as well as a course in Quickbooks.   The agency also offers a course designed specifically 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” and “Careering 102” courses.   Computer class students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants; members of the public are welcome to use the agency’s computer labs for job searches, and receive assistance with career and financial management skills, through the agency’s Universal Access program.

A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 7th – 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 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 the performance of 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, February 6th – 27th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 7th – 23rd, 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, February 6th – 27th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 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.

A course in Quickbooks Accounting Software will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, February 6th – March 12th, from 6:00 - 9:00 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. 

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., February 1st – 29th.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

Members of the public are invited to use the state-of-the-art computer lab at Project Self-Sufficiency to take advantage of the agency’s Work Connections “Universal Access” program.  These sessions offer full use of the computer lab to conduct job searches, refine networking techniques, create cover letters and resumes, update interview skills, and address salary negotiations.  Limited staff assistance is available.  An information session about the Work Connections Universal Access program will be held on Wednesday, February 1st, at 10:00 a.m.

The agency will also offer “Careering 101” to instruct participants on job search and networking techniques, the preparation of cover letters and resumes, and basic skills for use in interviewing, salary negotiation and the acquisition of workplace etiquette.  The Careering 101 sessions are offered at convenient day and evening times.  Interested participants are encouraged to call 973-940-3500 for a schedule.

Time management, goal-setting, interacting with co-workers, and other workplace techniques are covered in “Careering 102”.  Careering 102 is offered every Tuesday, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. and from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.   The Careering 102 class is open to the public.

“Financial Management” seminars are held every Thursday, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.  Participants will learn how to manage a budget, and explore the use of different types of banking accounts, loans, college saving plans, and retirement plans.   The Financial Management class is open to the public.

Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers assistance with obtaining a GED, career counseling and assessment, Job Start and Job Search services.   Frequent career fairs give area residents the opportunity to meet local employers, and learn about additional employment and training opportunities.

With the exception of the Careering 101, Careering 102, and the Financial Management courses, the fee for each class is $10.  All computer classes at the agency are open to registered Family Success Center and Project Self-Sufficiency participants; members of the public are welcome to participate in all Universal Access programs.  To inquire about eligibility, or to find out more about the computer courses offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.