Jewish Vocational Service, Inc. - Boston

The Bridges to College and Careers program (Bridges) is an intensive, 23-week, 460-hour college transition program designed to equip adult learners with the English, math, science and computer skills needed to enter college and complete a post-secondary certificate or degree. The Bridges program offers students multiple career pathways to industry-recognized certificates in high-demand and technical occupations.

The Bridges model of intensive academic support - which includes ESOL, college-level reading, writing and math, and practical study and technology skills - is designed to help adults close learning gaps much more quickly and efficiently than traditional college developmental education classes. Bridges incorporates weekly one-on-one and group coaching support for all students. JVS also provides assistance with navigating financial aid, enrollment in a matched savings account, peer support activities and job placement.

Program components include: a dual-enrollment option for Adult Diploma program students nearing attainment of their high school diploma, a pre-Bridges English for Academic Success (EAS) class as well as Bridges to College pathways in General Studies, Biotechnology and Business/Technology. Depending on their pre-Bridges academic English and math levels, students enter the program directly into a college pathway or they first complete a cycle of English for Academic Success and begin a college pathway in the next Bridges cycle. All Bridges pathways lead students to college certificate/degree programs

This program is designed for students who are interested in a career in long-term care doing direct patient care. JVS' geriatric Nurse Assistant program, Caring for our Seniors, was developed in 2010 in partnership with the region's largest eldercare providers in order to meet the need within the long-term care sector for caregivers with geriatric skills. During the first ten weeks of the JVS program, the JVS nurse's aide curriculum equips trainees with the English fluency, computer literacy, medical terminology, anatomy, working with frail elders and the nursing skills needed to be caregivers in a variety of long-term care settings. The program also includes ESOL, computer classes, customer service, Nurse's aide training, job readiness classes, job placement. The final four weeks take place at the Academy for Healthcare Training where students will prepare for the Certified Nursing Assistant certification examination. In addition, students receive extensive job search skills training and job development services.

Program length is 30 hours per week for 14 weeks.

Secure Jobs is a rapid employment program designed to help clients who are homeless or at risk of being homeless to begin to stabilize their situation through employment. Clients begin with intensive Job Readiness training provided both individually and in small group settings to help clients learn to: design and write resumes and cover letters, prepare reference lists, research employers, build computer skills particularly applicable to job searching, learn interview techniques and prepare follow-up questions for employers, set up a professional email account, complete online applications, and handle telephone screenings by employers. Secure Jobs staff also work with clients to identify other barriers to getting and keeping employment and create step by step action plans to address these. Post placement, clients receive ongoing support and development of professional skills including: problem solving, communication and other soft skills to ensure clients successfully retain their employment. Clients also engage in longer term goal setting to help them move from initial employment to long term sustainability.