New Opportunity School for Women

NOSW Residential Sessions

Each winter and summer, the New Opportunity School for Women hosts residential sessions designed to provide women with educational and career-oriented resources they need

Twice a year, the NOSW identifies and selects approximately 14 low-income women from the south central Appalachian region and brings them to the Berea, Kentucky to take part in our residential educational program. There is no cost to the participants. Additionally, monies for childcare and transportation are provided as needed.

These sessions last for three weeks and take place on the Berea College campus. Women are housed in Pearson Residence Hall. To see more pictures of the newly renovated hall, click here.

Participants are in classes from eight until noon. Class instructors include faculty members from Berea College, the University of Kentucky, community professionals, and staff members.

Self-Esteem	Appalachian Literature	Job Search Skills	Computer Basics
Punctuation Review	Computer Lab	Basic Math	Women's Health
Leadership from Within	Is Education in Your Future?	Serving on Boards of Community Organizations	Understanding Violence Against Women
Personality Styles	Creative Writing	Self-Defense	Art of Self Expression
Getting to Know Your Local Government	Understanding Your Interest Inventory	Public Speaking	Interviewing Skills & Resume Writing

Each weekday afternoon participants have a community internship related to their specific career interests.

Weekends are devoted to cultural events and the arts with field trips to places like the Cincinnati Art Museum, Krohn Conservatory, and the Museum of Appalachia.

Weeknights can include social events sponsored by local women's groups such as the American Association of University Women and the Berea Younger Women's Club.

While on campus, each participant is offered a mammogram, a pap smear, other health screenings when appropriate, and a copy of the women's health reference book, The New Ourselves Growing Older; Women Aging with Knowledge and Power, by Paula B. Doress-Worters and Diana Laskin Siegal. Participants are also given time with healthcare specialists to discuss personal health issues.

The women are also invited to embark on a "career makeover" during the session, which includes obtaining a business suit, new hairstyle, and lessons on applying makeup for the business world.

To learn more about the year-round services and programs that we offer, click here.