New Choices Career Development Program

New Choices is a life-changing opportunity for Lancaster, York and Chester County’s individuals in transition to achieve economic self-sufficiency through personal development, career guidance, and job training.

New Choices is here for you

The New Choices Career Development Program is open to any PA resident,  and is specifically geared towards individuals in transition over the age of 18. New Choices is funded through the Pennsylvania Women Work office of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

 

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.

How it works

Empower

The New Choices Career Development Program benefits individuals in transition by giving them skills and resources in job seeking, interviewing, and résumé writing.

Achieve

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.

Succeed

More than 80% of 2021 New Choices graduates were placed in employment, training, or continuing education programs!

What you'll learn

Research and Employment

Find employment through non-traditional means and networking, as well as acquire skills to conduct unconventional job searches and tap into community resources available to help.

Participants also discover their life’s calling through skill and interest assessments.

Life Skills

In addition to job skills, New Choices participants gain soft-skills to set goals, solve problems, resolve conflict, manage stress, set boundaries, communicate effectively and prioritize needs.

Continuing Education

We're here to help you become what you wanted to be when you grew up! With New Choices you can find out about ways to pursue short-term (certificate or degree) educational programs. Students who successfully complete the New Choices program will qualify for scholarships.

Join us at our next New Choices Class!

Classes will be held in person at YWCA Lancaster on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am – 2:30pm, March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, and 21.

Ready to get started?

We’re here to help you turn “I can’t” into “I did”!

Name

Meet Enisha

Enisha Sealey shares her experience as a New Choices student and Lancaster CTC Culinary student!

We're proud to partner with these local organizations

Our Advisory Board

 

Molly Henderson
Educator, Public Health Director
Lancaster County Commissioner (Retired)

Tom Kifilo
CFO
Rohrer’s Incorporated

Anne Kinderwater Carroll
Millersville University

Monica Rakoczy
Owner
Entertraining Solutions, LLC

Nicole Snavely
Associate Wealth Coach
Murry

Gerard “Jerry” Glenn
Armstrong + Chairman of SCORE (retired)

Gary Leauby
Former RR Donnelley (retired)

Deb St. Onge
Program Director
New Choices Career Development Program

Thank you to our supporting partners