Support Services – Westchester EOC
Academic Resource Center/ATTAIN Lab
The Academic Resource Center, also known as the ATTAIN Lab, is a dedicated facility which offers interactive instructional software, electronic databases, instructional media systems and other materials designed to enhance student learning outcomes through technologically advanced instruction. The ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking) program seeks to offer digital parity to community residents by making computers and information technology accessible to those least able to afford in-home computers and/or on-line access. Students utilize the lab to reinforce and/or supplement classroom instruction. Students may be assigned to the lab as part of their program schedule to supplement their in class learning or they may study in the lab independently.
College Connections Initiative
The College Connections Initiative is a year-round program designed to help students prepare for college enrollment. The program serves HSE recipients and high school graduates who have the potential to succeed in higher education. Students are introduced to the performance expectations, workload and behavioral strategies that are important aspects of college life and academic success. The program offers pre-college math, reading and writing instruction; note-taking, time management, and study skills training; and placement test-taking skills and training for college entrance exams. Students also participate in college visits and tours, and workshops on relevant topics such as career exploration, navigating the college admissions process, financial aid, self-development, social and cultural awareness and more.
Counseling and Related Services
WEOC ascribes to the philosophy that educational preparedness goes beyond the classroom. It addresses, therefore, many of the students’ developmental needs by offering a wide variety of services and activities including academic advisement, advocacy, personal and career counseling, case management, and post placement follow-up and support.
Career Preparation and Placement Services
WEOC offers job preparation and placement assistance and services through our Career Services Office. The Career Services Office provides individual and group advisement, resume writing and job interviewing assistance, job readiness workshops and other seminars to help students prepare for work. Employment Services staff also provide job search and placement assistance and follow-up services to WEOC students and alumni.
A Job and Career Resource Center is available to all students and alumni for the purpose of carrying out independent job search activities, and career and college exploration. A wealth of resources, including computers with internet access, bus maps, college applications, local newspapers, and other employment and career resource information is available to job seekers at this Center.
The Inspired to Succeed Club is a work readiness club for WEOC students. The club’s advisor is the Workforce Readiness Chair of the Westchester Human Resource Management Association (WHRMA). The club provides students with instruction to enhance their work readiness skills, such as role playing, mock interviews, and debates.
Technology Enhanced Classroom (TEC)
The TEC facility at the Educational Opportunity Center is part of a network of Technology Enhanced Classrooms across New York State, linking all of the EOC’s.
TEC classrooms feature state-of the-art display and videoconferencing equipment: cameras which can track teachers and students around the classroom as they interact; large wall monitors which show both sides of a video conference at the same time; special microphones which pick up everyone in the room without distortion or feedback; and SMART displays which allow remote control of computers displayed on the system. Students are able to collaborate and study with classes at other schools around the world, and participate in interactive lectures and tours from providers such as the Smithsonian Institute and N.A.S.A.
