December 10, 1999

El Cajon — Some graduates of OPT (Office Professional Training) at Grossmont College say the program saved their lives and enabled them to provide a better life for their families. OPT, an intensive 20-week program, is designed to help individuals who feel trapped in low-paying jobs or need some support and training to enable them to enter the workforce and become self-sufficient. OPT classes are free and open to laid-off workers, welfare recipients, single parents, homeless adults, victims of domestic violence and long-term unemployed.

Registration is open for classes for a "fast-track" pilot program that begins January 3, 2000, with completion of classes by the end of April. Graduates will be employed by May.

Since the program began in 1985, more than 1,600 individuals have trained in one of the three career paths: account clerk, insurance clerk and computerized office assistant. Students take 17-21 units of college coursework. (The average college load is from 12-15 units.)

From 80 to 90 percent of each graduation class find full-time employment within 90 days of completing the program. "With the current average wage of OPT graduates at $10, most are able to provide for their families while gaining experience to move into management positions," said Dr. Mary Leslie, lead OPT instructor.

OPT receive the Student Success Award from the state Board of Governors and Chancellor's Office in March 1999. The award is presented to ten innovative projects in the state.

For enrollment information, call 644-7247.

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