Fall classes for New Choices will begin across the state in September and October. If your location is not specified below, please click on the links found in the Statewide Program Offices section to find classes in your area. Classes will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Classes offered include Career Development and Microsoft. To sign up call 412-391-5101.
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 13 sites across the Commonwealth serving 24 counties. To find a New Choices program near you click here: Statewide Program Offices
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.
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.
Success
The mission of the New Choices Career Development Program is to assist single mothers, displaced homemakers, and individuals in transition in achieving economic self-sufficiency. The vision is to empower individuals in transition to participate fully in planning and achieving their career, educational, and personal goals. The program provides an environment that preserves dignity, respects diversity, and supports personal choice.
New Choices Programs have proven to be successful in helping individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency. During fiscal year 2010-2011, New Choices programs served 1,249 adult participants and of these 542 obtained jobs with an average wage of $11.41 per hour while 417 of the participants went on for further training. The placement of these individuals in jobs saves the government $2,446,610 by reducing the need for public assistance (such as food stamps, TANF, and unemployment compensation.)
Read about the successes of the program here: Success Stories
Join us!