Wingspan

Wingspan

Wingspan provides support services to students who are displaced homemakers and students enrolled in nontraditional occupation programs.

What is a displaced homemaker?

A displaced homemaker is an individual who has worked in the home for a substantial number of years providing unpaid household services for family members; and who meets the following additional criteria:

· Is not gainfully employed, including unemployed or underemployed, and
· Has been dependent on income of another household member but is no longer supported by such income; or
· Has been on public assistance but is no longer eligible for such assistance or who may be terminated from such assistance; or
· Is the parent of one or more minor children supported by public assistance or spousal support but whose children are within two years of reaching adulthood.

What services can a displaced homemaker receive?

Career Exploration

· Career exploration of traditional and nontraditional career paths
· Career Assessments
· Develop an Educational Action Plan
· Explore Job Training Options

Case Management Services

· Advising Services
· Referrals to College and Community Resources
· Self-Management Skills
· Limited Financial Assistance for College Expenses

College Preparation

· Enrollment Assistance
· Goal Setting
· Awareness of Financial Resources
· Balancing work, family, and school roles

Job Readiness

· Labor Market Information
· Informational Interviewing
· Job Shadowing Opportunities
· Employment Resources – Tech Connect

Nontraditional Occupations – Explore a Career…Outside the Box

· Discover nontraditional career opportunities
· Nontraditional occupations are jobs in which 75% or more of the workforce is of the opposite gender.
· Men find careers such as nursing or childcare offers a great opportunity and job satisfaction
· Technical and industrial careers for women pay 20% to 30% more than jobs traditionally held by women.
· Nontraditional occupations are rewarding with an opportunity for career advancement.
· http://www.jobstvnews.com/

What are the Advantages of Nontraditional Occupations?

· Great Earning Potential
· Advancement Opportunities
· Benefits
· Occupational “Fit”
· Satisfying and Challenging Work

What Services are Provided to Students in Nontraditional Occupation Programs?

· Individual Career Assessment
· Job Shadowing Opportunities
· Mentoring Relationships
· Labor Market Information
· Limited Financial Assistance for Transportation
· College and Community Resources

For more information about Wingspan services, contact:

Lynn Smith, Room 2212 Central Campus, 608-757-7656, lsmith@blackhawk.edu.