A variety of computer classes to be offered in November

NEWTON — Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in Nov., including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, an introductory class in Microsoft Excel, an advanced course in Microsoft Word, as well as a course in Power Point and Outlook. The agency also offers 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 Street in Newton. The fee for each class is $10, with the exception of the free Careering 101 and Careering 102 courses. Computer class students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants; members of the public are welcome to utilize the agency’s computer labs for job searches through the agency’s Universal Access program. A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nov. 8 to 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. and from 6 to 9 p.m. 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, Outlook and Access will also be discussed. An advanced course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 7 to 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nov. 8 to 29, 6 to 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 address labels and address letters to multiple recipients. Participation in the introductory level Microsoft Word course is required prior to registration in the advanced class. Those interested in learning about Microsoft Excel are encouraged to attend an introductory class on Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 7 to 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nov. 8 to 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. 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. A class in Microsoft PowerPoint and Outlook will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 7 to 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants will learn to manage email, set up calendars, schedule tasks, and create custom slide shows. Microsoft Employment Lab for Men, a special class which introduces basic keyboarding skills and touches on Microsoft applications, will be held on Wednesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m., Nov. 2 to 30. The course will also explore the development of resumes and cover letters. Seniors are invited to check out Better with Technology on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Nov. 1 to 15. Participants will learn how to set up an email account and safely navigate the internet. The agency will also offer Careering 101, a free three-part series covering job search and networking techniques, the development of cover letters and resumes, and a session about interview skills, salary negotiation, and workplace literacy. The Job Search component is held on Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m., and on Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. A discussion of Cover Letters and Resumes will be offered every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays 9 to 10 a.m. Those who are interested in learning more about interview techniques are invited to attend sessions on Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m., or on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Careering 102 will allow participants to receive tips on time management, goal-setting, interacting with co-workers, and other workplace techniques. Careering 102 is offered every Tuesday, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m. Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center also offers assistance with career counseling and assessment, Job Start and Job Search services. The agency’s new Work Connections program allows members of the public to take advantage of the computer labs for use in searching for employment. With the exception of the Careering 101 course, the fee for each class is $10. Careering 101 and Careering 102 are free. 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 offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.