Project Self Sufficiency to offer computer classes

NEWTON — Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a variety of computer classes in September, including an Introduction to Personal Computers, introductory and advanced courses in Microsoft Word and Excel, Microsoft Power Point and Outlook, QuickBooks accounting software, and courses designed specifically for seniors and for men.

All classes will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill St. in Newton. The fee for each computer course is $10, the class for seniors is $25, and all of the remaining seminars are free. 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, Sept. 8–24, from 6-9 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 9–25, from 9 a.m. until noon. 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 and Outlook will also be discussed.

Introductory and advanced classes in Microsoft Word will be held. An introductory class in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 8–24, from 9 a.m. until noon, or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 9–25, from 6-9 p.m. An Advanced Microsoft Word course will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 8 until 24, from 6-9 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 mailing labels and address letters to multiple recipients. Participation in the introductory level Microsoft Word course is required prior to registration in the advanced class.

Introductory and advanced courses in Microsoft Excel will also be offered. Introductory Microsoft Excel classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 9–25, from 9 a.m. until noon or from 6-9 p.m. An advanced-level course will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 9–25, from 9 a.m. until noon. 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.

Microsoft PowerPoint and Outlook will be explained in a course on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 8-24, from 9 a.m. until noon. Participants are invited to learn how to manage email, set up online calendars, create custom slide shows and sophisticated presentations.

A course in QuickBooks Accounting Software will be offered on Fridays, Sept. 12– Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. until 1 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.

Seniors are invited to familiarize themselves with personal computers, learn how to use email and safely navigate the internet with “Better with Technology,” which will be offered on Fridays, Sept. 12-26, from 9 a.m. until noon. This class is open to agency participants as well as seniors from the public.

A special Men’s Employment Lab will be offered on Wednesdays, Sept. 10–24, from 9 a.m. until noon or from 6-9 p.m. Participants will receive assessment testing, discuss short and long-term employment goals, obtain basic computer instruction, and assistance with resume development and job search techniques.

The agency will also offer a series of seminars during the day and evening which are designed to help participants land and succeed at new jobs. Courses will cover “Resumes & Cover Letters”, “Interviewing Skills”, “Job Search & Networking Techniques”, “Financial Management”, “Workplace Literacy”, “Salary Negotiations”, and “Careering 102.” Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers help with obtaining a GED; job training for women, teens and young adults; career counseling and To inquire about eligibility, or to find out more about the computer courses, seminars or career fairs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.