Computer classes offered in September

NEWTON — Classes in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point and Outlook, QuickBooks accounting software, computer courses designed specifically for seniors and for men, as well as seminars designed for goal exploration, skills assessment and interpersonal growth will be offered at Project Self-Sufficiency during September.

All courses will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. The fee for each computer course is $10; the class for seniors is $25. Students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants.

An introductory course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 14–30, from 10 a.m. until noon. An advanced Microsoft Word class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 15 until Oct. 1, from noon until 2 p.m. A combination Word I and II course will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Sept. 15–Oct. 1, from 6:8 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.

Introductory Microsoft Excel classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 14-30, from noon until 2 p.m. An Advanced Microsoft Excel course will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 15 until Oct. 1, from 10 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.

A course in QuickBooks Accounting software will be offered on Mondays Wednesdays, Sept. 14-23, from 6-8 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, September 4-18, 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. 9-30, from 9 a.m. until noon or from 6-8 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 Career Center at Project Self-Sufficiency is now offering participants new courses designed to maximize personal and professional skills, while combining career assessments, training and access to employment opportunities. The new “Career, Education & Employment Foundations” course bundles goal-setting exercises with introductory computer training and career seminars. Upon completion, students are poised to move on to more advanced computer training or enter the workforce. Separate sessions are available. Session One will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 9-16, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.; Session Two will convene on Mondays and Wednesdays, September 21–30, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. For those who prefer an evening schedule, the group will gather on Wednesday evenings, September 2–23, from 6–8 p.m.

The agency’s new “Foundations for Personal Success” series offers participants the opportunity to focus on interpersonal skills, such as anger management, effective communication, the establishment of healthy relationships, nutrition, social media and other topics. Session One will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 1–10, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.; Session Two will convene on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 15–24, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. A separate evening session will meet on Tuesdays, Sept. 1–22, from 6-8 p.m.

The agency also offers a series of seminars on Fridays, from 11 a.m. until noon, covering topics such as “Resumes & Cover Letters”, “Interviewing Skills”, “Job Search”, “Financial Management”, and “Careering 101.” Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers help with obtaining a GED; job training for women, teens and young adults; career counseling and assessment; Job Start and Job Search services. Interested participants are encouraged to contact the agency for a schedule.

The fee for each computer course is $10; the class for seniors is $25. 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, seminars or career fairs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500, or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.