This content was published: March 2, 2011. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
New Directions Program has sights set on St. Helens this spring
Photos and story by Meryl Lipman
Portland Community College will start a free, four-credit program called New Directions this spring in St. Helens. New Directions is a cohort of classes geared toward women wanting to return to college.
Orientations for the class will be held on the Rock Creek Campus (17705 N.W. Springville Road) this Thursday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Women’s Resource Center (Room 103, Building 2). Additionally, Rock Creek Women’s Resource Center Coordinator Kristen Martin has said she is willing to travel to Columbia County to meet with prospective students. Classes begin March 28 and go through mid June.
New Directions, a successful program on all PCC campuses, has been recommended for single parents, displaced homemakers, bicultural/bilingual students and students experiencing significant life transitions. They can be new or returning students, prospective students who are struggling academically or socially, women who need direction and comprehensive career planning, and women who want or need support in beginning or continuing their studies.
The program includes four tuition-free credits, paid public transportation to class, financial help with childcare in order to attend class, all class supplies, a supportive learning community, individual counseling and advising, and the opportunity to work directly with New Directions Student Mentors who have already graduated the program. Classes include college success and survival, career planning and exploration, values clarification, and job/internship finding skills. Graduates have gone on to win 11 Ford Scholarships in the last two years, 25 PCC Foundation Scholarships last year, and two PSU Diversity Scholarships in 2010.
New Directions is the most recent piece in an ongoing effort by PCC to enhance services to Columbia County residents. PCC consistently holds four classes per term in Scappoose and St. Helens as well as ongoing GED testing through MTC Works and collaboration with the business community to provide training for businesses, employees and displaced workers.
For more information, contact Kristen Martin at (503) 614-7448 or kristen.martin1@pcc.edu.
About Meryl Lipman
Meryl Lipman holds a Masters in writing from Portland State University and has written for local publications including Spot Magazine, Portland Upside, Metroscape, The Oregonian, and The Forest Grove News Times. She has worked as the PR man... more »