New Choices/New Options Reunion, Workshop Announced

At Penn College's North Campus:Reunion Set for New Choices/New Options Participants

Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus in Wellsboro is seeking past participants of the New Choices/New Options program for a reunion on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The theme for the day is "Career Success: Take Charge of Your Future." The free event will feature special workshops for participants, activities for children, a lunch and refreshments. Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour will deliver the keynote address, "Career Planning and Overcoming Obstacles to Success." Other speakers will be past participants sharing their success stories. Activities will span from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"We are trying to identify all of the past participants," said Linda Williams, coordinator of the North Campus program, "but are finding that we lack current addresses for many of the earlier participants. We'd like to make this a really big and exciting event, with lots of guests from our communities, but we need everyone's help in identifying the people involved."

Those involved in the program in the past are encouraged to contact the North Campus if they would like to be included in the reunion celebration. As well, the campus would like to update participants' addresses. Williams can be reached at the North Campus by phone (570) 724-7703 or by mail at RR 3 Box 436, Wellsboro, PA 16901.

The New Choices/New Options program (formerly known as just New Choices, and earlier, as the Single Parent/Homemaker's program) has been operating with career development/job search services at the North Campus since 1986. Williams has directed the program since 1990.

At Penn College's Main Campus: October Workshop Focuses on Career Development

A four-week "New Choices/New Options" career development workshop is scheduled to run Oct. 19 through Nov. 13 at Pennsylvania College of Technology's main campus in Williamsport. The program is offered at no cost to single parents, homemakers and underemployed individuals, teen parents, and individuals exploring careers which are nontraditional for their gender. The ultimate goal of the programming is to help individuals find employment in careers that will allow them to be independent. Many of those attending the workshops move into further training prior to finding jobs. Others will utilize the job search skills taught in the workshops to seek jobs after the workshops are complete.

The free classes will guide participants through career assessments to identify career goals, computer skills training, resume writing, and interview practice. Special life skills needed to succeed on the job also will be addressed including coping with stress, time management, nutrition, dealing with difficult people, and more. Those interested in nontraditional careers will be given opportunities to participate in special hands-on activities. Workshop presenters will provide information about admissions procedures and funding assistance for further skills training at Penn College. Outside speakers will provide insights into the needs of area employers and will give helpful hints on how to enter the job market successfully.

To register for the workshop or to receive further information, contact Patricia Gordon at Penn College's main campus, (570) 326-3761.