January 9, 2006

For more information, contact: Kimberly Kreider (901) 333-4023

PREP Assists Single Parents
Written by Brenda J. Rayner

The Professional Re-entry Education Program (PREP) at Southwest Tennessee Community College may be the boost needed to help single parents, displaced homemakers and dislocated workers with choosing the right career option.

PREP is an eight-week career counseling program that offers workshops on college life, positive imagining, career options, stress, time and money management, goal setting and more - all at no cost.

A Proven Success - Created in 1986, the PREP program has helped hundreds achieve rewarding careers. "PREP has benefited participants wanting to go back to school, establish a support system and set goals and objectives," said Miki Craft, the program's director. "We have several PREP alumni that are now Southwest employees."

PREP enrollment is open to single custodial parents; displaced homemakers; or dislocated workers possessing a high school diploma or GED; and women having not yet earned a college degree and are motivated for success.

The Spring PREP Program is free. It offers:

• An eight-week enrollment preparation/career counseling class

• Assistance in applying for federal aid and scholarships

• An on-going counseling relationship between participants and PREP counselors, and the base for a support group

• Child care assistance is provided for children ages 15 months through 12 years, as space allows

• Textbook loans for participants with financial need after completing the eight-week career counseling workshops, based upon availability at Southwest

New, this spring - orientations and workshops will be conducted on Macon and Union campuses. Day and evening schedules will still be offered at both locations. The schedule is as follows:
 

Orientations	Workshops
January 30 - February 2, 2006	February 13- April 11, 2006

Call (901) 333-5342 or (901) 333-5493 for more information or to schedule a mandatory group orientation.