Computer Classes Offered during March

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in March, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, an introductory class in Microsoft Excel, an advanced course in Microsoft Word, as well as courses in Quickbooks and Power Point and Outlook.   The agency also offers a 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” and “Careering 102” courses.   With the exception of those enrolled in the Better with Technology course for seniors, 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, March 6th – 22nd, 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 No Access will also be discussed.  

An advanced course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 5th – 21st, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 6th – 22nd, 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 about Microsoft Excel are encouraged to attend an introductory class on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 5th – 21st, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 6th – 22nd, 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 class in Microsoft PowerPoint and Outlook will be offered on Saturdays, March 3rd – April 14th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Participants will learn to manage email, set up calendars, schedule tasks, and create custom slide shows.

A course in Quickbooks Accounting Software will be offered on Fridays, March 2nd – April 20th, from 9:00 a.m.  - 1:00 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 are invited to attend Better with Technology on Fridays, March 9th – 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Participants will learn how to set up an email account and safely navigate the internet.

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., March 7th – 28th.  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, March 7th, 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 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, and explore the use of different types of banking accounts, set financial goals, and explore financial credit issues.   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.  The next Career & Employment Fair will take place on March 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Interested participants are encouraged to attend and bring along a copy of their resume.

With the exception of the Careering 101, Careering 102, Better with Technology, 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.