|
|
|
|
|
“Project Transition” at Westchester Community College Kicks Off First-Time Fundraising Efforts at its 20th Anniversary CelebrationValhalla, NY (May 2008) Westchester Community College’s “Project Transition,” a Center for Retraining, recently kicked off its first-time fundraising project at the celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Since 1988, “Project Transition has been helping women to develop the skills needed for today’s workforce.While currently funded by the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the program finds itself in need of additional funding to continue the high quality of training and education it provides. As a result, the program has launched the “Fund for Project Transition: Transforming Lives” that will seek individual and corporate donations to supplement the funding it receives from the state. “Every year the costs of running this program continue to rise, so we have made the decision to reach out to the private sector for additional support,” said Mia Fienemann, Director of Project Transition. “Our goal is to continue to provide these important services that make such a significant difference in the lives of the women we help.”Project Transition provides free six-week programs to those who meet eligibility requirements as well as prerequisites for training programs. Some of the services Project Transition provides include computer software training, career decision counseling, skills assessment, work readiness coaching, confidence building, and job search and placement. Classes meet five days a week, and include the most up-to-date computer software as well as the latest career and marketing strategies. There are two instructors, a computer trainer and a career counselor, and students receive 80 hours of computer training, and 18 hours of career strategy planning. “The group dynamics are extraordinary,” added Fienemann. “Before enrolling in our training, these women have been coping with their loss alone, but once they’re in these classes, they realize that they’re all in this together and the group interaction creates a lasting bonding experience for them.” After graduation, students meet with a job developer/coach on an individualized job search strategy, and the job developer helps them to find suitable employment.Project Transition students range in age from 21 to 68. “We’re starting to see more of an older population, as a result of mergers and layoffs,” said Fienemann. “Sometimes, it’s difficult for these women to find positions, but all of our instructors are very caring, and our goal is to get everyone back on their feet.” The program also includes mock job interviews with people from the business community, as well as contacts with local employment agencies to help with job placement. Graduates of the program have found positions in information technology, media, communications, higher education, health care, law practices, retail and many other areas. With approximately 24,000 credit and non-credit students, Westchester Community College is the largest college in Westchester County and is consistently the number one college choice of high school graduates in the County. Westchester Community College is dedicated to the belief that growth and adaptation through educational experience are possible for individuals at all stages of development. The goal of the college is to be accessible, adaptable, and dedicated to lifelong learning while sensitive to the individual needs of our diverse population. Westchester Community College Foundation, a 501-C3 not-for-profit corporation, is the fund-raising arm of the college. |
 |
|