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Twin Cities RISE! Course DescriptionsApplied Math* - This course helps to build basic math skills and reinforce participants' understanding and skill including measurement. The class begins with a review of place value, basic math operations, averaging, rounding, estimating, ratios, and delves more deeply in to all operations applied to fractions and decimals then continues with percents, measurement, proportion, probability, and geometry. Problem-solving strategies and data-analysis skills are addressed within these units. Participants will use a variety of measurement tools including but not limited to reading a ruler. Problem-solving skills are sharpened by developing appropriate reading and comprehension strategies including some analysis of charts, graphs, and tables. This class meets for 2½ hours per week where participants will build measurement skills required in careers using additional measurement skills. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments, class participation, and an exit exam. Speechcraft - Speechcraft prepares participants for the professional business setting by providing instruction and opportunity for improvement in all aspects of communication, including written and impromptu speeches, listening, evaluation. Participants learn specific techniques including body language and use visual aids during speeches. This class meets for 2½ hours per week and is recommended for all participants nearing placement activity. Passing is based on attendance, completion of at least 3 speeches, and class participation. Writing Fundamentals* - The goal of this course is to improve the grammatical and mechanical aspects of each participant's written communication with a focus on simple sentence construction, punctuation, mechanics, and grammar. Topics are covered using a teacher-fronted lecture-style class that offers lots of in-class activities (both small and individual) to reinforce key concepts. This class meets for 2½ hours per week. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments, class participation, and an exit exam. Writing Workshop - The goal of this course is to improve the grammatical and mechanical aspects of each participant's written communication with a focus on composition as a precursor to effectively writing business communications like e-mails, cover letters, and resumes. Topics are covered in a variety of ways including one-on-one with the instructor, teacher-fronted presentations with reinforcement activities, and individual work in writing lab using structured software support. This class meets for 2½ hours per week. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments, class participation and an exit exam.
Business Correspondence - This course is designed to teach participants many of the essential skills needed in order to compose and edit basic business correspondence. Participants learn how to shape coherent sentences and paragraphs. They become sensitive to formal register. By the end of this course, participants will have strategies for composing inquiry and reply letters. They will also know how to organize and format lengthy documents that present a variety of details. In addition, participants will work with Outlook calendaring, scheduling, and emailing, with emphasis on email etiquette. Finally, participants will work with Excel worksheets and its Chart Wizard, and receive some brush-up lessons in Word. Throughout the course, participants will focus intensely on developing their proofreading and problem-solving skills. This class meets for 2½ hours per week and is recommended for all participants. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments, class participation, and an exit exam. Introduction to Computer Applications* - This course is designed for participants who have very little or no experience working with computers. They learn what a computer is and how it functions. They learn the basics of the Windows operating system, with emphasis on file management. They also examine Microsoft Word, with emphasis on the most basic skills in navigation, editing, and formatting. Finally, they are introduced to emailing skills, using Microsoft Outlook and giving special attention to email etiquette. Computer Applications I* - In this course, participants will gain a practical understanding of how a computer processes information. Activities in all computer instruction help participants build literacy skills necessary to function as a productive employee. Participants will learn enough about the Windows operating system and Microsoft Word to be able to compose and edit their own business letters. Finally, all class members will be introduced to Microsoft Outlook email. No prerequisite is required. This class meets for 2½ hours per week. Passing is based on full attendance, completion of assignments, class participation, and an exit exam. Computer Applications II - Computer Applications II both introduces participants to Excel and increases participants' mastery of Microsoft's Word application. The Excel portion will cover basic orientation to this powerful spreadsheet application, as well as teach essential formulas and navigation skills. Participants will learn how to use Word to create documents with advanced formatting; use Wizards and Templates; and generate form letters, mail-merge documents, mailing labels, and envelopes. This class meets for 2½ hours per week. Passing is based on full attendance, completion of assignments, class participation, and an exit exam. Computer Applications III - This course teaches participants several beginning and intermediate level skills for use with Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access. With Windows, participants practice effective file and folder management. In Outlook, participants are taught to use email etiquette appropriate for the business world and to compose distribution lists. The Word portion both reinforces and introduces a variety of editing, navigating, formatting and trouble-shooting skills. Participants work with headers & footers, tabs, Page Setup, and Mail Merge. The Excel portion teaches participants how to navigate, edit, and enter data in a timely and accurate fashion. In addition participants learn to sort, filter, and to work effectively with the Chart Wizard. Finally, the course introduces participants to Access, Microsoft's database program, where they learn to create simple database tables, forms, queries, and reports. This class meets for 2½ hours per week and is recommended for all participants. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments class participation, and a final project. Computer Applications IV - This course covers several beginning- and intermediate-level skills for use with Microsoft Windows and the complete Office Suite. Concerning Windows, Word, Excel, and Access, we will review a variety of essential skills introduced in earlier TCR! computer courses. Concerning PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook we will introduce a new set of beginner-level skills. Of equal importance, this course will promote critical soft skills covered in our Empowerment and career-centered curricula (e.g. Customer Service, Career Fundamentals Two). In the early weeks of Computer Applications Four, participants will receive a number of lessons and homework projects that will prepare them for a series of group and individual projects whose completion will require not only the ability to work intimately with the MS Office Suite but also the ability to practice many key soft skills essential to success in the office environment: critical thinking, problem-solving, good teamwork, punctuality, and excellent attention to detail. Customer Service - This course provides participants with observation and theory related to customer service. Participants discuss what it means to represent a company in language, appearance, style and demeanor. Included are discussions and practice with listening skills, speaking skills, questioning skills, and problem solving as related to customer service. During this class, participants learn about organizational skills and multi-tasking in a customer service position. A section of the course focuses on the relationship of customer service and sales with instruction on developing sales technique, recognizing customer needs and wants, presenting sales information, and closing the sale. Use of empowerment skills in customer service is discussed, particularly in dealing with difficult customers. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments and class participation. Internet for Business and Career - This course introduces participants to basic terms and theory of the Internet. Participants learn how to use search engines and subject directories, and perform advanced searches. In addition, participants learn how to decode URL's, evaluate web sites, and take notes and copy web pages to Word documents. This class meets once a week for 1 ¼ hours. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments and class participation. Internship Class - This class is a combination of classroom discussion and real-life work experience in participants' career areas. It is designed to help participants gain valuable work experience adding stability and credibility to their resumes; demonstrate a strong work ethic to perspective employers; practice and improve learned skills. Eligible participants enter the class when they are assigned to an internship site. The class meets once per week for 1¼ hours. Introduction to Medical Terminology - This course introduces participants to a fast and practical way to get acquainted with basic concepts of medical terminology that professionals use in health fields and will help prepare them for careers in record keeping, insurance billing, nursing, or other medical services. Mastering the language can also help the participants take a proactive role in their own health. Keyboarding* - For participants who are new to keyboarding, this course introduces or reinforces both the standard keyboard and the ten-key number pad while more experienced participants focus on building their speed and accuracy. Attendance and progress are monitored and charted throughout the program. This class meets twice per week for a total of 2½ hours. Participants continue in this class until they reach the speed and accuracy requirements of their career track. Off-site Training - Training may be arranged through partnerships with other organizations for participants who are interested in careers using forklift equipment, precision tools in manufacturing or various tools/equipment used in construction settings. Other specialized training may be identified to help participants obtain the skills needed for a specific career track. Safety Training - This course is a series of eight 1¼ hour classes introducing participants to workplace safety issues and skills. Participants are certified in First Aid and CPR and will be required to demonstrate those skills. This course also introduces the concepts of Personal Protective Equipment, Machine maintenance safety (lock-out tag-out), and Electrical Safety. No previous medical training is required, but participants must be willing to practice on mannequins. Passing is based on attendance, class participation, practical skills assessment and weekly quiz scores.
Advanced Job Search - This class is for participants who have completed Resume Writing and Employment Readiness classes and are seeking their final placement opportunity. During the class, participants spend lab time researching and applying for positions that meet the criteria for final placement. There is an emphasis on customizing resumes and cover letters, fine tuning interviewing skills, and learning specific job seeking skills. Most of the time for this class is spent in individual job search. Participants pass this class when they have entered a final placement position. Career Fundamentals I* - This course is a series of seven 2½-hour workshops introducing participants to skill and aptitude requirements of TCR! career areas. Participants take part in assessments of their own interests, academic levels (math and language), and learning styles. This course also introduces the concepts of time management, goal setting, and journaling for self-tracking progress through the program. Other aspects of the job search process like what to look for in employment ads, completing applications appropriately are also introduced in this class. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments including the Essentials Information Form (EIF) and class participation. Career Fundamentals II - Resume Writing is for any participant preparing for final placement. This course is a pre-requisite for Employment Readiness. The course provides participants with a working resume, cover letter, and references upon completion. Participants will use time in and out of class to create a professional resume, cover letter, and references. Class time is conducted in the computer lab so that participants have the ability to work on their resume with the instructor present for questions. Included are discussions and practice with targeting a resume, emphasizing relevant work experience and skills, selling oneself to prospective employers, and how to use written communication to apply for a job. This class meets for 2 ½ hours per week; passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments, final (resume, cover letter, references), and class participation. Employment Readiness - This course is designed to assist participants to understand the corporate hiring process; navigate the interview process; understand what skills the employer values; how to effectively market and promote skills toward an employment offer; understand and maximize employment benefits once an offer is made. Additionally, time is spent on interview practice, i.e.; behavioral, situational, traditional, reviewing videotapes of mock interviews to determine areas of improvement and developing a change strategy as well as discussing appropriate business etiquette. This class meets for 2½ hours per week; passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments, completion of 4 mock interviews (which may include videotaping for feedback purposes) and class participation.
Empowerment Foundation (Part I)* - This course is designed to provide participants with the tools needed to find and make healthy choices in response to life situations. Participants are empowered to feel and act in a way that will increase the chance of accomplishing their personal and professional goals by learning how to regulate their emotions. Class meets once a week for 2.5 hours. Empowerment Framing (Part II) - This course is the second in a series of empowerment skills training courses to provide participants with additional tools to continue developing habits, attitudes and skills needed to achieve their professional goals as well as personal stability. This class meets once a week for 2.5 hours. Empowerment Maintenance (Part III) - This class is designed to further assist in the development and application of the Empowerment concepts. It also supports the continuing process of change in your personal and professional lives. This class may be taken as often as needed or desired. The specific curriculum is designed based on the needs of each group. Participants are sometimes asked to take an active role in the learning process by doing research on specific subject matters and then presenting their findings to the class. This process allows participants to truly find solutions to problems. Empowerment Group - This class is designed for ongoing development and application of empowerment skills. It supports participants in their continued growth. The specific curriculum is designed based on the needs of the group. Financial Empowerment I and II - This set of classes gives participants more hands-on experience in translating their personal empowerment to financial goals and aspirations. Topics covered during this course include planning for the purchase of a permanent home, meeting transportation needs, and planning for personal needs encountered at different life stages, including retirement. Empowerment issues are explored as participants work through a series of exercises to ensure they know how to use a personal budget, set financial goals, and develop plans and strategies for achieving financial independence and realizing the benefits associated with an empowered person who is on a definite career path. Passing is based on attendance and the demonstrated application of empowerment concepts to personal financial issues. Critical Thinking - This course is designed to help participants create greater success in their personal and professional lives by developing the skills needed to make clearer and more responsible decisions. In addition to group discussions and activities, participants will maintain guided journal writings to explore strategies that will help them develop internal qualities and external behaviors that help successful people make wise decisions. Success on the Job - Success on the Job is a course for the participant who is in a final placement status or near final placement. It addresses ways to be successful in the final placement and how to be recognized and considered for advancement. This class meets for 2½ hours per week and is recommended for all participants. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments and class participation. Workskills Communication - Participants will develop an appreciation of diversity in the workplace; appropriate workplace communication skills, including conflict resolution, feedback and mediation; the value of teamwork; and other soft skills related to communication on the job. The course is based on the "Managing to Work It Out: Cognitive Skill and Human Relations Training for Supervisors" curriculum. This class meets for 2 ½ hours per week. Passing is based on attendance, completion of assignments and class participation. * This is one of the courses that constitute the base of the foundational skills and are the first classes taken at TCR!. For further information or questions, please contact Education Services by email at educationservices@twincitiesrise.org or call (612) 338 - 0295.
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