Computer Classes offered during 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, an advanced class in Microsoft Excel, an introductory course in Microsoft Word, and courses 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.     Students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants.  

A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 5th – 21st, 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 and Outlook will also be discussed.  

An introductory course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 4th – 20th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 5th – 21st, 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, June 4th – 20th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 5th – 21st, 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., June 6th – 27th.  The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.

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 1:00 – 2:00 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, set financial goals, and explore financial credit issues and bank accounts.   

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.   The agency will host a special Technology & Hospitality Career Fair on Thursday, June 17th, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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.  To inquire about eligibility, or to find out more about the computer courses or career fairs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.