YWCA Lancaster
New Choices
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. New Choices is funded through the Pennsylvania Women Work office of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Currently, we offer virtual courses – one week for 10 hours, offered twice a month - a morning session from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and an afternoon session 1:30-3:30 p.m., completely FREE of charge.
Upon the successful completion of the program, New Choices offers valuable scholarship opportunities for students to pursue further education. Additionally, support from the New Choices staff follows students long after graduation.
During New Choices Career Development Program participants learn:
RESEARCH & EMPLOYMENT
Find employment through non-traditional means and networking.
LIFE SKILLS
Soft-skills to set goals, solve problems, resolve conflict, manage stress, set boundaries, communicate effectively and prioritize needs.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Pursue short-term (certificate or degree) educational programs. Students who successfully complete the New Choices program will qualify for scholarships.
Get started
Contact Information:
Deb St. Onge (she/her)
Director, YWCA Lancaster New Choices
The Benefits
Participants...
Acquire skills to conduct unconventional job searches. Become aware of community resources available to help.
Learn about opportunities for short-term certificate and degree programs. Discover their life’s calling through skill and interest assessments.
The New Choices program...
Has no financial requirement, just a willingness to work on yourself. The program is open to all individuals in transition over the age of 18.
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.
Who We Serve
The New Choices Career Development Program benefits individuals from all socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds from across Lancaster County. All individuals in transition over the age of 18 who have earned at least a GED or high school diploma are eligible.
How it Works
Through a 10-day, 60-hour career guidance class, the New Choices Career Development Program benefits individuals in transition by giving them the skills and resources to succeed. Students are trained in job seeking, interviewing, and résumé writing. They learn the value of self-esteem, effective communication styles, and stress management. Students are introduced to resources in the community that help with housing, legal, and medical issues. 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. All of these elements help us to propel individuals in transition toward a prosperous future.
Scholarship Resources
New Choices Career Development Program can award scholarships to our graduates wishing to continue their education. Each student is handled individually, and the scholarship amounts are dependent upon our government funding and student’s education program of choice. Got questions?
Frequently asked questions:
How can I get scholarship money?
After graduating successfully from New Choices, students meet with New Choices Executive Director, Deb St. Onge to discuss education plans and scholarship possibilities.
What is the value of the scholarship?
The scholarship mainly depends upon our funding for the year.
Must I complete the New Choices program to be eligible for the scholarship?
Absolutely! Scholarship money is only offered to New Choices graduates.
Can I use the scholarship money at any school?
Scholarship eligibility depends on your school and program choice. Call New Choices at 717-869-6363 for more information.
Are there other scholarship/financial resources available?
Yes! Lancaster is a county ready to help! To see other resources and scholarships in our community, click the resource link below.
Contact Information:
Deb St. Onge (she/her)
Director, YWCA Lancaster New Choices
Pennsylvania Women Work
YWCA Lancaster New Choices Program is overseen by Pennsylvania Women Work’s New Choices career development sites are located across the Commonwealth. If you are looking for job training to further your career, we invite you to contact the program at the location most convenient for you.
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
Jeremy Gingher
Former New Choices Student
Christine Holmes
Executive Committee
Director of US Operations
OpSec Security Inc.
Clarence Kegel III
Vice President
Account Executive Murray Securus
Tom Kifilo
CFO
Rohrer’s Incorporated
Mike Longenecker
(Executive Committee)
VP of Product Development
Artsana USA, Inc.
Catherine Marcks
Community Volunteer
Monica Rakoczy
Owner
Entertraining Solutions, LLC
Kathryn Ross
Owner
Kross Strategies, LLC
Stuart Savin, Ed.D.
Administrative Director
LCCTC
Shannon Zimmerman
Director of Communications
Hempfield School District
Gerard “Jerry” Glenn (Emeritus)
Armstrong (Retired) + Chairman of SCORE
Gary Leauby (Emeritus)
Former RR Donnelley
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.