Programs At The Center
Programs at the Center are offered Monday-Thursday and are designed to meet the needs of women, aged 20+, whose educations have been interrupted or limited by circumstances. All classes are free (except a $40-dollar registration fee), and registration is open throughout the year. Based on placement testing, the staff and students set educational goals and schedules. Computer skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. Breaks and short reflections offer a strengthening, hopeful
approach to life and self-care .
General Educational Development (GED) Preparation
GED Course
Courses include instruction in each of the four subject areas of the GED (General Educational Development) test. Teachers and students work closely throughout the year to determine when a student is ready to take a subject test. Students are welcome to continue at the Center until they have passed all subjects. Small class size, subject immersion, and individual attention foster student success. Classes are taught by teachers who are NYS certified in their respective teaching areas. The door of future success opens when a woman has a high school diploma in her hand. After earning a GED, our students move into better paying jobs and often further their education through certificate programs and college enrollment. Classes run Mon-Thurs, 9-1:30, and follow the NYC Department of Education calendar.
English for Speakers of Other Languages
ESOL Courses
Classes are provided in six different levels determined by a short placement test. Both written and spoken fundamentals provide students with a practical application of English. Advanced students participate in a bi-weekly conversation class. Proficiency in English facilitates a woman’s ability to communicate with health and educational professionals who service her family. Students who progress through the levels of our program advance their job and career opportunities. When a woman is comfortable speaking, reading, and writing English, her involvement in her community increases.
Building Community
Additional Programs and Services
Our goals focus on helping women thrive and live to the fullness of their potential. Therefore, we continue to respond to the needs of the times. In the Spring of 2024, we introduced a 10-week Citizenship Preparation class (which will be offered twice per year) for current students who qualify. In the Fall of 2024, we will introduce a weekly, digital literacy class, focusing on the Microsoft Office Suite. Professionals from the community are invited to speak and provide workshops on a variety of issues affecting women and their families, including the following topics: interviewing for a job; creating a resume; registering for online exams and programs; obtaining citizenship; financial planning; focusing on health and wellness; and accessing resources to assist with food insecurity.
Women's Health and Health Education Initiative
Yoga With Vanessa
Yoga classes are offered by Vanessa McHugh, RN, to all current students, staff and volunteers on Thursdays, 10:30AM-11:30 and 1:30-2:30. Additionally, Vanessa offers a Women's Health Initiative throughout the year. This is a four--part discussion series which focuses on topics affecting women and their families, including mental health; breast health; child- and family-care; food and nutrition; and self-care.
