Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 22, 2007 issue

New Opportunity School for Women Seeks Applicants

Application Deadline April 20

Residents of the southern Appalachian region are eligible to participate in the New Opportunity School for Women, a free educational program at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. 

Applications for the 2007 session of the New Opportunity School for Women, a free educational and career exploration program, should be requested now. If you are a woman in a period of transition in your life, or if you wish to clarify your personal strengths and aspirations, plan to attend the New Opportunity School for Women. This will be an opportunity to meet other women and to support one another during a three-week learning experience.

The program provides educational opportunities through classes in building self-esteem, learning computer basics, developing leadership, reading Appalachian literature, learning self-defense, understanding violence against women, speaking in public, learning how to become enrolled in further education and taking cultural field trips and art related events.

Job search skills will be identified and participants will learn to write résumés and practice interview techniques. Those selected to attend will also have internships in a field of interest, either on the Lees-McRae College campus or in the community.

The upcoming program is scheduled for July 8 to 28, on the Lees-McRae College campus in Banner Elk. The application deadline is April 20. The program is designed for women ages 30 to 55 who have completed high school or have a GED (or are actively working on a GED) and do not have a college degree. 

Lodging and meals are provided and grants for travel and childcare are available. Address requests for applications and additional information to the New Opportunity School for Women, PO Box 128, Banner Elk, NC, 28604, or call 828-898-8905.