Phone: 281-885-4616

"To learn English . . . to get a GED . . . to prepare for citizenship . . . to learn to read . . . to learn computer skills . . . to prepare for a better job . . . to have a chance at a better life."

NAM's Rotary Learning Center participants are looking for a chance at a better life. Education is one of the basic tools with which NAM clients can implement their plan for a better tomorrow.

Individuals who seek a different direction for their lives can take the first steps by improving their training or learning new skills.

NAM's Rotary Learning Center provides classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), General Educational Development (GED) test preparation, reading and writing literacy, job search seminars, financial literacy, legal seminars, US Citizenship/Naturalization seminars, and when available computer classes. Classes are open to all Houston residents and are offered free or at reduced cost. NAM also collaborates with the Spring Independent School District on educational projects for families through a program called Even Start.

All events take place at the main Northwest Assistance Ministries location, 15555 Kuykendahl Rd, Rotary Learning Center - 4^th floor, Houston, TX 77090, unless otherwise stated. To register or for more information on any of the upcoming events please call the RLC Information Line at 281-885-4616 or email balderson-shields@namonline.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 Financial Literacy Classes(Series of 8 classes are held every other Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.) – Seminars presented by volunteers from The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston

• July 20, 2010 – Bank On It
  • This class provides the basics of banking, the different types of financial institutions and the services they might offer.
• August 3, 2010 – Check It Out
  • Educate yourself on how to open a checking account, compare and use accounts, write a check and keep records
• August 17, 2010 – Fundamentals of Investing
  • Basic Investing & Retirement Overview of investment vehicles, principles of successful investing and the importance of planning for your future
• August 31, 2010 – Money Matters
  • Learn to understand the concept of budgeting, recognize the benefits of using a budget, and budgeting tools
• September 14, 2010 – Borrowing Basics
  • Seminar provides an overview of when and how to use credit, and the different types of loans available
• September 28, 2010 – To Your Credit
  • Gives you tools to understand a credit report, how it is used, how to start repairing it, and to recognize credit repair scams
• October 12, 2010 – Charge It Right
  • Learn how to describe the costs and benefits of using a credit card
• October 26, 2010 – Pay Yourself First
  • This seminar helps give you the power to recognize the importance of saving money, how to save, how money can grow and the different types of savings and investment accounts

Legal Seminar – Seminars presented in arrangement with the Houston Bar Association Speakers Bureau

• Wills & Probate  – Living Wills & Medical Powers of Attorney, and Financial Powers of Attorney
  • Speaker: Rachel Hopson, Esq.
  • Wednesday, July 21, 2010 – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Room: 50+ Front Room, 2^nd Floor
• Family Law – Child Support, Child Custody
  • Speaker: Todd Frankfort, Esq.
  • Date: TBD (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
  • Room: Rotary Center Room 437, 4th Floor
• Landlord & Tenant – Lease Agreements, Tenant/Landlord Responsibilities
  • Speaker: TBA
  • Date: July 2010, Day TBD (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
  • Room: Rotary Center Room 437, 4th Floor
• Employment Discrimination
  • Speaker: Deshonda Tackett, Esq.
  • Date: August 12, 2010 – 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Room: Rotary Center Room 437, 4th Floor

GED Preparation Classes & English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes – Courses are conducted by Lone Star College North Harris Adult Education Department

• General Education Diploma (GED) Preparation Classes
  • On-Site Registration & Assessment (Prepare to be here for at least 4 hours)
    • Date: August 17, 2010
    • Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Class Schedule
  • Dates: August 30, 2010 to December 9, 2010
  • Class Days: Monday thru Thursday
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes - Inglés Básico Como Segundo Idioma Clase
  •  On-Site Registration & Assessment (Prepare to be here for at least 4 hours. Seating and class sizes are very limited. Classes fill up extremely quickly. It is recommended that interested students should arrive at least an hour before registration begins. Student will be tested by First Come, First Served.)
    • Date: August 10, 2010
    • Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Class Schedule
  • Dates: August 30, 2010 to December 9, 2010
  • Class Days: Monday thru Thursday
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

         Requirements for the GED and ESL classes:

• All Students must present a valid ID or driver’s license at the time of Registration / Assessment.
• Minimum age: 17 years with parental permission, an official withdrawal from school and a valid photo ID. Parental permission forms may be obtained in the Adult Education Office at the Lone Star College-Greenspoint Center.
• Students over 18 years of age will need a valid photo ID. 
• Students must be assessed BEFORE entering the program and must attend the first week of class before they are enrolled.
• All students must attend only one day of Registration / Assessment and remain for the duration of the Registration / Assessment.
• There are no visitors, children or auditing students allowed in the classrooms.
• Good attendance is required.

For more information regarding these free GED Prep or ESL classes taught at NAM or other locations in the area please contact Lone Star College Adult Education Office at 281-260-3576.

 Job Search Seminars(held the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays of every month from 1-3 p.m.) – Seminars are presented by Workforce Solutions

• July 22 , 2010 – Creating a Resume / Completing the Application
  • You may have the skills the employer is looking for and never get to the interview
    if your resume does not highlight those skills. Develop a professional resume
    that will match your skills and experience to the job and employer you are looking
    for. Most employers will ask you to complete an employment application, even if
    you have a great resume. Learn how to complete an application for employment
    thoroughly, accurately, and neatly.
• August 12, 2010 – Networking, & Creating References, Cover and Thank You Letters
  • Networking is not limited to who you know, it’s learning how to find out about
    jobs that are not advertised and how to get your foot in the door. Learn to develop
    a list of contacts that can help you and create a marketing profile to promote your
    skills and abilities.
  • Learn how to create a job reference page, a professional cover letter to accompany your resume, and to write a thank you letter to employers with whom you’ve interviewed.
• August 26, 2010 – Rebranding your Skills
  • Expand your job search prospects by rebranding your skills. This workshop will teach you to identify the skills you have gained in the past and present them in a way that catches the attention of employers that can move you to a new job or even a new industry.
• September 9 – Interviewing
  • Get advice on effective interviewing techniques, respond appropriately to common interview questions, and negotiate salary and benefits for your new job. The Interview is where jobs are won or lost. Ensure that your chances of getting the job offer are high!
• September 23 - Evaluate Your Skills & Develop a Plan
  • Over 80% of job applicants can’t describe their skills! Can you? This seminar will help you determine your marketable skills, learn to effectively communicate your skills and identify your employment priorities. What is your plan to find your next job? Are you getting the results you want? This seminar will help you identify effective ways to look for a job, create a daily job search schedule, and develop goals for your job search.

Note: All classes and seminars at NAM are presented for the benefit of all the students/clients, therefore children under the age of 16 will not be permitted please make outside arrangements for caregiving services. We appreciate your assistance in making this a safe, secure and effective learning environment for everyone.