YWCA National Capital Area

Program Overview

The YWCA NCA CETC recognizes the importance of a student's goal for educational attainment in both academic and professional courses, but also believes that the two are inseparable and must be integrated into the overall curriculum in order for students to truly gain the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for them to be successful as lifelong learners and in their professional careers. While our general education requirements provide an educational foundation and essential knowledge and skills in reading & language arts, math, science, and social studies, the suite of professional education and skills core classes reflect the knowledge, understanding, and skills that are needed for a person to make a meaningful contribution to a diverse society, assume tasks of leadership and make reasonable and thoughtful professional and ethical decisions in the
workplace. Thus, the YWCA NCA CETC offers a holistic suite of courses for academic and professional training to adults in three categories: Adult Basic & Secondary Education, Workforce Development, and Industry Training.

Workforce Development will build your skills in communication, information literacy, digital literacy & computers, professional conduct & ethics, civic engagement, cultural competency, critical thinking & reasoning, and conflict resolution & problem solving. Topics covered in Workforce Development courses will include, but will not be limited to: career exploration, resume creation, interviewing skills, appropriate workplace dress and behavior, and managing personal finances. All Day and Evening students, regardless of test scores, must participate in general Workforce Development (WFD) courses unless currently employed AND excused by program staff. If a student is employed and is unable to attend WFD classes, he or she must submit proof of employment (e.g. pay stub, offer letter, etc.) to the Program Manager. Students in other programs may attend the WFD classes if interested and able to commit to the full course schedule.

All students are expected to participate in Career Services. These services are mandatory for successful employment readiness and placement in a career track position with one of the employment partners. You will be assigned a Career Success Coach after acceptance and placement in your personal curriculum/certification program. After you take career assessments via YWCANCA resources Virtual Job Shadow, CASAS, Career Coach, and NorthStar, you will work with your Career Success Coach to build employability skills, complete the CASAS Career Readiness requirements, gain on-the-job exposure (job shadowing, site visits and internships), train for job specific competencies, and create a career portfolio. Once you have successfully completed these activities, your career success coach will work with you to identify job opportunities, apply for jobs, and prepare for interviews.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"I like the professors here because they are really great. They are ready to help you any time... They welcome you here. I really feel like the YWCA empowered me to achieve my goals." - 2018 Graduate Adnana