New Choices Program Awarded Grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts
(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA, May 9, 2014)—The New Choices Career Development Program at Delaware County Community College has received a three-year grant of $100,000 from The Pew Charitable Trusts to provide career guidance and job readiness services to vulnerable adults in Delaware and Chester counties.
New Choices is a free program at the College that serves single parents, and divorced, separated, widowed and low-income residents of Delaware and Chester Counties. It provides highly individualized, intensive career and personal development services to help residents identify career goals and create realistic plans to achieve those goals.
A seven-week workshop series covers a variety of topics including career assessment, goal setting, résumé preparation, interviewing skills, and appropriate on-the-job attire and behavior. Sessions are supplemented by the availability of classes in computer basics, along with one-on-one career planning and counseling. Upon completion of the program, participants enter additional training or employment as appropriate. Referrals to other community-based support services are made as needed.
New Choices began in 1982 with a group of 25 participants. Since then, thousands of area residents have completed the program. New Choices graduates often remain part of the New Choices network and assist current participants with job openings. “We’re very grateful for the support of The Pew Charitable Trusts which helps to ensure that individuals in transition are able to access free career guidance, job readiness and confidence-building skills that lead to employment and improved economic security,” said New Choices Director Sandy Gera. The program is entirely grant-funded and has been supported by grants from public agencies such as Pennsylvania’s Department of Education and Department of Labor and Industry, private foundations, and individual contributions.
More information about the New Choices Career Development program is available by calling the program office at 610-359-5232.
