(PHOENIX, Ariz., April 15, 2004) – Through a three-year funded Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities (HSIAC) grant, Phoenix College is empowering local residents through a unique Career Training and Employment Program (CTEP) featuring leadership training, computer survival skills and industry specific educational courses.

In October 2002, Phoenix College was awarded the HSIAC grant from the Federal Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide occupational and leadership training to residents in target areas within south central Phoenix and south Chandler.

To date, approximately 120 individuals from various communities within those service areas including Marcos de Niza Tenant Council and Senior Center, have taken advantage of the program by enrolling in an array of classes ranging from Basic English for Everyday Living to Learn How to Use Computers. The HSIAC-CTEP partnership is committed to empowering participants to become self-sufficient by providing them with the information, resources and skills necessary to develop marketable competencies and secure employment.

One of the tenant council members for Marcos de Niza, has taken classes through CTEP and eagerly awaits for the next schedule to be released.

"This program is empowering my community," said the council member. "Residents who were born here are now learning how to read and write and the leadership training is enabling leaders to emerge from our community. These classes are motivating many people to take action and to truly make a difference in our community."

The grant, which is commonly referred to as the Career Training and Employment Program (CTEP), offers free classes in occupational, life/work readiness and leadership skills at a variety of locations including: Chicanos Por La Causa, Marcos de Niza, Chandler Public Housing and the Family Investment Center. Additionally, these programs are open to residents of the Enterprise Community/Empowerment Zone within south central Phoenix.

"One of our main goals with this program is to help get people off federal aid and to help them become self-sufficient," said Anna Chavira, Coordinator of Instructional Services Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities (HSIAC) Grant. "Through this program, we are truly empowering local residents to become active and self-sufficient. We are bringing college classes to them and they are getting a taste of the success that college courses can bring. To see their self-esteem reach new heights is worthwhile and priceless."

South Mountain Community College and Mesa Community College work with Phoenix College to ensure success of this program. However there are many community based organizations and agencies that contribute to this endeavor including: Maricopa Community College District, City of Phoenix Public Housing, Maricopa County Housing Department, Chandler Projects Public Housing, Arizona Hispanic Community Forum, Chicanos Por La Causa, Marcos de Niza Senior Center, State of Arizona, Bank of America, City of Chandler, Dynamic Program Planning, Marcos de Niza Tenant Council and Wyser Academy.

For more information about the program, please call 602-285-7737.

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