Local residents interested in improving their job skills can begin classes April 7 at the Zion Academy, located at the Wesley Union Education and Family Life Center at 2336 N. Third Street in Harrisburg. The classes are available through LEAP, Life Education Alternative Program, a community partnership initiative between the Wesley Union Community Development Corporation and Harrisburg Area Community College.

Adult students can study subjects covered in pre-high school classes in Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses, or prepare for General Education Development (GED) and obtain a high school equivalency diploma. Life Skills Training is the third component of classes beginning at the Zion Academy. There is no charge for the Adult Basic Education or GED courses and are held every Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm, and every Saturday 10am to noon. Life Skills Training, beginning Monday, April 7, is a six-week session with a $40 fee (includes materials).

The Life Skills Training is a computer-assisted course that builds skills necessary for obtaining and retaining successful employment. Students with limited or no prior computer experience are exposed to basic computer terms and functions, in line with course objectives. Some of the instructional areas are resume writing, time management, team building, effective communication skills, goal setting, and emotional health issues.

"Our partnership with Zion Academy and the Wesley Union Community Development Corporation is an effort to better serve the educational needs of the community," says Dr. Lori Fair, executive director of HACC's Adult Basic Education and Developmental Studies division. "The goal of LEAP is to promote lifelong learning within the community, including young adults."

For more information about classes starting at the Zion Academy, contact Dr. Fair in HACC's Adult Basic Education and Developmental Studies Division at 780-2475 or can send email to the address below.