Challenges, Choices, & Change

Christina Hansen, Program Coordinator

North Shore Community College, Lynn Campus

300 Broad Street

Lynn, MA 01902

781-593-6722 x6241

chansen@northshore.edu

Program Overview:

            Challenges, Choices, and Change is a program to help women gain a new sense of who they are and who they can become. The program is a comprehensive learning experience leading toward a career field and a pathway to self-transformation. The program is open to any woman who is a:

                                                            -TAFDC Recipient

                                                            -Single parent

                                                            -Widow

                                                            -Displaced homemaker

                                                            -Single, pregnant, woman

                                                            -Unemployed worker or Underemployed worker

            Challenges, Choices, and Change is a year long, certificate granting, full-time academic and personal development program at North Shore Community College.  The requirements for participation are:

                                                            -GED or High School Diploma

                                                            -Personal interview with the program coordinator

                                                            -A desire to help yourself to a better life

                                                            -The ability to devote Monday through Friday,

  9 a.m.-2 p.m. to academic study at North Shore      Community College.*

Best Practices:

-An internship component during the spring semester where students explore a particular field of interest at an approved site of their choice.

-During the fall semester, participants take a “Returning to School” course which details the college experience, teaches institutional terminology, and describes what is expected of students.

-A peer-counselor who is a graduate of the program and is available to meet with the students.

Areas of college access it addresses:                      

Academic Readiness—The program is designed to provide a foundation for academic success.  Career and Life Planning classes along with the internship component also help steer participants onto a career path that is best suited for their strengths and interests.  Students are assisted in becoming math proficient and computer knowledgeable through workshops and tutoring.

            Social Readiness—Participants form a strong learning community during the course of the year-long program.

*Language taken from Challenges, Choices, and Change materials.