ABOUT US
New Choices Career Development Program is a free Educational Empowerment Workshop open to women and men regardless of income who are in transition or recently lost a job.
our vision
To empower women and men in transition to participate fully in planning and achieving their career, educational, and personal goals. This program provides an environment that preserves dignity and supports personal choice.
The label “in-transition” can apply to:
Single mothers or fathers
FIRST-TIME PREGNANT
RECENTLY FIRED BY AN EMPLOYER
RECENTLY LAID OFF BY AN EMPLOYER
RECENTLY QUIT A JOB
Displaced Homemaker
Whom We Serve
The New Choices Career Development Program benefits individuals from all socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds from across Lancaster County. All individuals in transition over the age of 18 who have earned at least a GED or high school diploma are eligible.
women empowered
workshops a year
HOW IT WORKS
Through a 10-day, 60-hour career guidance class, the New Choices Career Development Program benefits individuals in transition by giving them the skills and resources to succeed. Students are trained in job seeking, interviewing, and résumé writing. They learn the value of self-esteem, effective communication styles, and stress management. Students are introduced to resources in the community that help with housing, legal, and medical issues. After completing the course, students are eligible for scholarship funds to pursue short-term education. Students also receive continued guidance from the dedicated New Choices staff long after graduation. All of these elements help us to propel women and men in transition toward a prosperous future.
Scholarship Resources
New Choices Career Development Program awards scholarships to our graduates wishing to continue their education. Each student is handled individually, and the scholarship amounts are dependent upon our government funding and student’s education program of choice. Got questions? Check out the list of frequently asked questions.
Download a PDF of Community & Scholarship resources.
How can I get scholarship money?
After graduating successfully from New Choices, students meet with New Choices Executive Director, Tricia Nabors, to discuss education plans and scholarship possibilities.
What is the value of the scholarship?
The scholarship mainly depends upon our funding for the year. The scholarships range from $400 – $1,500.
Must I complete the New Choices program to be eligible for the scholarship?
Absolutely! Scholarship money is only offered to New Choices graduates.
Can I use the scholarship money at any school?
Scholarship eligibility depends on your school and program choice. Call New Choices at 717-869-6363 for more information.
Are there other scholarship/financial resources available?
Yes! Lancaster is a county ready to help! To see other resources and scholarships in our community, click HERE!
Please contact New Choices at 717-769-1936 if you would like more information or would like to schedule a meeting.
New Choices is overseen by Pennsylvania Women Work.
Pennsylvania Women Work’s New Choices career development sites are located across the Commonwealth. If you are looking for job training to further your career, we invite you to contact the program at the location most convenient for you.
Our advisory board
Gerard Glenn
New Choices Advisory Board Chairman
SCORE Mentor
Armstrong, Retired
Greg Orth
Owner, Sandler Training
Jonathan Crothers
Assistant Professor of Biology
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Anthony Gillespie
Executive Director, Retired
Lancaster County Career and Technology Foundation
Jeremy Gingher
Former New Choices Student
Molly Henderson
Community Volunteer
Tom
CFO
Rohrer’s Incorporated
King Knox
Chairman Emeritus
Lancaster County Career and Technology Foundation
Gary Leauby
R.R. Donnelley, Retired
Tricia Nabors
Executive Officio
New Choices Career Development Program
Christine Holms
OpSec
Director of US Operations
Catherine Marcks
Community Volunteer
Brenda Becker Smoker, Ed.D.
Retired- Superintendent
Hempfield School District
Stuart Savin, Ed.D.
Administrative Director LCCTC
Kathryn Ross
Publisher, CPBJ & CPP
Shannon Zimmerman
Director of Communications
Hempfield School District
CONTACT US TODAY
Founded in 1985 through a collaborative effort by the YWCA Lancaster, the Junior League of Lancaster, and the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, New Choices has been successfully aiding individuals in transition for over 30 years and has assisted thousands of women to find economic and emotional independence. The New Choices program is now open to men.
New Choices is FREE to the Lancaster County community thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the Lancaster County Career & Technology Foundation.
