NEW CHOICES | WANTO | OTHER PROGRAMS

The orientation dates for the next round of New Choices classes are as follows:

Downtown
Tuesday, February 28
9:30 am

Shaler
Tuesday, February 28
7 pm

Beaver
Monday, March 19
7 pm

The New Choices Career Development Services programs provide FREE services, offering a wide a range of classes including:

  • Keyboarding
  • Introduction to Computers
  • Microsoft Office Computer Software Programs
  • Career Development Workshops
  • Math
  • Reading
  • English Assistance, etc.

In addition to group sessions, participants receive individualized counseling, career coaching and job search assistance tailored to each person’s particular need. Day and evening classes are usually available. Specific program offerings vary from site to site.

New Choices programs are located at 16 sites across the Commonwealth serving 25 counties.

The target population served by the New Choices Programs is displaced homemakers and single parents. Individuals in transition are encouraged to apply. Programs offer individuals the opportunity to explore career options they may never have known existed and will provide a family sustaining wage.

New Choices Programs have proven to be successful in helping individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency. During fiscal year 2009-2010, New Choices programs served 1,370 adult participants and of these 432 obtained jobs with an average wage of $11.15 per hour while 458 of the participants went on for further training. The placement of these individuals in jobs saves the government $1,849,900 by reducing the need for public assistance (such as food stamps, TANF, and unemployment compensation.)

Program Goals/Mission:

  • To help dislocated workers get back on their feet and ready to re-enter the workforce.
  • To help displaced homemakers recognize their transferable skills and enter the workforce.
  • To build confidence, assertiveness, time management and goal setting skills.
  • To learn or improve computer skills (typing, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.)
  • To increase awareness of one’s own abilities and to assist in making satisfying career choices.

New Choices Project Offices: