BOCES program gives participants an EDGE
NORTH NORWICH – It’s not always easy changing jobs, going back to work or entering the job market for the first time. That’s where the Leading EDGE program at DCMO BOCES comes in, as the program’s most recent graduates can attest.
“This program has helped us all better ourselves for the future,” said Sandy Mullinex, speaking on behalf of herself and the other 15 class participants who graduated from the EDGE program on Friday in a ceremony held at the Chenango Campus’ Support Services Building.
The EDGE (Education for Gainful Employment) approach is a holistic one, tackling both job readiness and life skills in an intensive four-week course. For the last nine years, the program has been helping adults build the confidence and skills they need to be successful in both the workforce and in life.
“It has grown and blossomed all through the years,” said Program Supervisor Linda K. Thomas, who helped found the program. She works closely with the program’s instructor, Matt Asma.
Asma takes a highly creative approach to the course, using hands-on techniques and plenty of humor to help students work on everything from math, reading and computer skills to resume writing and interviewing techniques. They also take time to talk about health and well-being and personal life management skills.
It is all in fitting with the EDGE program’s mission: “To provide each program participant with job/life skills and tools that allow them to become self-sufficient, productive members of their communities and to ultimately reach their goals.”
Participants attend class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for the duration of the course. Asma said that while they are often reserved the first few days of class, they quickly become a close knit group which works as a team. To remind them to keep connected after the end of the course, each wore a ribbon on their wrist at the graduation.
Asma presented each with small momentos from the class, including a small stone with “edge” inscribed on one side and “goals” on the other.
“You’ll always have part of EDGE with you,” he explained, “and you’ll always have your goals in mind.”
Each graduate received a diploma and certificates of achievements, as well as Senate Excelsior Awards courtesy of New York State Senator Thomas Libous.
“We are very proud of our students and grateful to Senator Libous for his support,” said Thomas. Copies of all the certificates will be kept in the graduates’ files.
The adult graduates had words of appreciation for both Thomas and Asma, as well as for the program itself.
“When I joined the Edge program, I had high expectations. The class did not meet my expectations, it surpassed them,” said participant Patricia Rose, who said she felt “a lot more confident and knowledgeable about the working world” after taking the four-week course.
A total of six sessions of the Leading EDGE program are offered each year. According to Thomas, the program receives grant funding which allows it to be offered to participants at no charge.
The next session will being with an orientation on April 28, with the four-week course starting on May 4. For more information or to register, contact Linda Thomas at 335-1303 or Matt Asma at 335-1321.
“This program has helped us all better ourselves for the future,” said Sandy Mullinex, speaking on behalf of herself and the other 15 class participants who graduated from the EDGE program on Friday in a ceremony held at the Chenango Campus’ Support Services Building.
The EDGE (Education for Gainful Employment) approach is a holistic one, tackling both job readiness and life skills in an intensive four-week course. For the last nine years, the program has been helping adults build the confidence and skills they need to be successful in both the workforce and in life.
“It has grown and blossomed all through the years,” said Program Supervisor Linda K. Thomas, who helped found the program. She works closely with the program’s instructor, Matt Asma.
Asma takes a highly creative approach to the course, using hands-on techniques and plenty of humor to help students work on everything from math, reading and computer skills to resume writing and interviewing techniques. They also take time to talk about health and well-being and personal life management skills.
It is all in fitting with the EDGE program’s mission: “To provide each program participant with job/life skills and tools that allow them to become self-sufficient, productive members of their communities and to ultimately reach their goals.”
Participants attend class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for the duration of the course. Asma said that while they are often reserved the first few days of class, they quickly become a close knit group which works as a team. To remind them to keep connected after the end of the course, each wore a ribbon on their wrist at the graduation.
Asma presented each with small momentos from the class, including a small stone with “edge” inscribed on one side and “goals” on the other.
“You’ll always have part of EDGE with you,” he explained, “and you’ll always have your goals in mind.”
Each graduate received a diploma and certificates of achievements, as well as Senate Excelsior Awards courtesy of New York State Senator Thomas Libous.
“We are very proud of our students and grateful to Senator Libous for his support,” said Thomas. Copies of all the certificates will be kept in the graduates’ files.
The adult graduates had words of appreciation for both Thomas and Asma, as well as for the program itself.
“When I joined the Edge program, I had high expectations. The class did not meet my expectations, it surpassed them,” said participant Patricia Rose, who said she felt “a lot more confident and knowledgeable about the working world” after taking the four-week course.
A total of six sessions of the Leading EDGE program are offered each year. According to Thomas, the program receives grant funding which allows it to be offered to participants at no charge.
The next session will being with an orientation on April 28, with the four-week course starting on May 4. For more information or to register, contact Linda Thomas at 335-1303 or Matt Asma at 335-1321.
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