The aim of the Career Academy is to help students get jobs!. It is a fully integrated program that provides literacy instruction in a work skills context with an emphasis on computer skills.

The curriculum is aligned to the Equipped for the Future Framework for Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning (EFF), which includes 16 skills every self-sufficient adult should possess.  The 8-16 week program uses both group activities and individualized instruction, and depending on a student's skill level and job opportunities, s/he may "fast track" and complete the program ahead of schedule.

The Career Academy: an integrated course that includes academics, general customer service training, computers, and job readiness ("soft skills"). The program averages 12 weeks, with 6 weeks of classroom instruction, 2-4 week internships, and 2-4 weeks of individualized skill building and job searching. Each student is assigned a case manager and meets regularly with the agency’s job developer.

Sector-based Training: modeled after the Career Academy, the sector-based training is contextualized to prepare students for entry level jobs in specific industries. Recently we ran a health track as part of the Stepping Up project and a hospitality track for the City’s First Source initiative. Like the general Career Academy track, internships and extensive supports characterize the course.

Project Opportunity: a 30hr a week course that consists of 20 work-focused and 10 academic hours for individuals receiving public assistance. Again, internships are an integral part of the program to give students hands-on experience that will prepare them to enter or re-enter the workforce. Each participant receives intensive case management along with job development services.

DHS Work Experience: this course is designed to rapidly transition to work. At the center of the program is a series of internships primarily based at Dorcas Place. Several departments will host the interns for three weeks (i.e. the Clothing Collaborative, MIS, the Dorcas Café, Admissions) and then each group of students will rotate and begin new internships. This model allows each student to experience a variety of tasks and environments. During these rotations, each student will spend time with a case manager, job developer, and Job Center instructor to manage barriers and find employment.

Dorcas Place is also one of only two approved testing sites in Rhode Island for the National Work Readiness Credential. The credential is nationally recognized assessment that certifies competenty in a variety skills necessary to succeed at entry-level jobs in most industries.

Students may also access the Job Center, a "drop-in" center to research jobs, work on resume writing, practice interviews, access computers, and get one-on-one instruction. The Job Center is open from 8:30-4:00, Monday through Friday and Tuesday through Thursday evenings from 5:00-8:00.  The Job Center is open to all Dorcas Plcae students in the evening with a referral from a primary instructor or case manager.

A high school diploma or GED is not required to enroll in the Career Academy.

If you have further questions about the Career Academy, please call 401-273-8866 and ask for Christian (X-134).