Affordable Computer Classes Offered at Project Self-Sufficiency during March

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in March, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, introductory classes in Microsoft Word and Excel, and a course in Quickbooks Accounting Software. The agency offers courses designed specifically for seniors and for men, as well as an Employment Lab and a Job Club. All classes will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. With the exception of the free Careering 101 class, the fee for each course is $10; students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants.




A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 7th – 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 8th – 24th, 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 how to perform 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, March 7th – 23rd, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 8th – 24th, 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 7th – 23rd, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 8th – 24th, 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, March 7th – April 6th, 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 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 2nd – 30th. The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters.



The agency will also offer “Careering 101,” a free three-hour seminar about interview skills, salary negotiation, cover letters, resumes, workplace literacy, job search, and networking techniques. Careering 101 is offered every Tuesday, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.



In addition to classes, Project Self-Sufficiency hosts an Employment Lab for participants who are interested in using the agency’s state-of-the-art computer lab to develop and practice computer skills, work on resumes, prepare effective cover letters, and conduct online job searches. The Employment Lab will be held Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Lab will also be offered on Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Weekly Job Clubs will provide guided discussion focusing on relevant employment topics, and allow participants to share job leads, accomplishments and challenges. Job Clubs will be held on Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.



Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers assistance with career counseling and assessment, Job Start and Job Search services. With the exception of the Careering 101 course, the fee for each class is $10. Careering 101 is free. 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 offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.