Make a New Year's Resolution to Brush Up on Your Computer Skills!

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in January, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, an introductory class in Microsoft Excel, an advanced course in Microsoft Word, as well as a course in Power Point and Outlook.   The agency also offers a course 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 102 courses.   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, January 10^th – 26th, 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 Access will also be discussed.  

An advanced course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, January 9^th – 30th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 10^th – 26th, 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, January 9^th – 30th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 10^th – 26th, 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 Thursdays and Fridays, January 12^th – 27th, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Participants will learn to manage email, set up calendars, schedule tasks, and create custom slide shows.

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., January 11^th – 25th.  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, January 11^th, at 10:00 a.m.