New Choices

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.

Start Your Journey

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.