New Choices Career Development Program
New Choices Career Development Program 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.
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!
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.
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.
Meet Enisha:
Enisha Sealey shares her experience as a New Choices student and Lancaster CTC Culinary student!
Ready to get started?
We’re here to help you turn “I can’t” into “I did”!
Registration Information
Contact Information:
Deb St. Onge (she/her)
Director, YWCA Lancaster New Choices
Our Advisory Board
April Book
Market Manager
Citadel Federal Credit Union
Marcy Brody
Communications Specialist
Manheim Township School District
Jonathan Crothers
Assistant Professor of Biology
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Molly Henderson
Educator, Public Health Director
Lancaster County Commissioner (Retired)
Clarence Kegel III
Vice President
Account Executive Murray
Tom Kifilo
CFO
Rohrer’s Incorporated
Mike Longenecker
(Executive Committee)
VP of Product Development
Artsana USA, Inc.
Monica Rakoczy
Owner
Entertraining Solutions, LLC
Nicole Snavely
Associate Wealth Coach
Murry
Gerard “Jerry” Glenn (Emeritus)
Armstrong + Chairman of SCORE (retired)
Gary Leauby
Former RR Donnelley (retired)
Deb St. Onge
Program Director
New Choices Career Development Program
Luann Aument
Aument Coaching + Consulting
Board of Directors
YWCA Lancaster
Thank you to our supporting partners
OUR VISION
To empower individuals 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.