The WRAP After-School Program - Overview

During the first two months of the WRAP program, activities were designed to assist students in adjusting to the new situations in which they found themselves. Many of the participants were either just entering high school or relocating to new ones. Students were tutored on good homework habits and filled out a daily after-school homework report. Participants were introduced to using WRAP’s networked computers and familiarized with the computer as a tool for school and homework completion. They were instructed on the use of internet search engines for reference and research, the use of Mavis Beacon Typing tutor and fundamental use of Microsoft Office for homework preparation.

During the following two months, after completing some general self-exploration exercises (interest and work habits inventory, writing a poem about how one views one’s future) designed to assess students’ interests, the students completed an online Career Focus Survey to determine possible career direction. Students visited websites (including www.njnextstop.org) related to this career and printed information about these careers for future reference. Participants did various online job searches at the popular state and national internet job search sites. Students also completed both print and online sample job and school applications. Finally, the participants reviewed sample high school and professional resumes and through a series of structured exercises developed their own resumes.

Throughout the entire four-month period, students participated in a weekly Life Skills Workshop. Each student developed a teen budget, learned to balance a check book, and learned how to maintain a checking account. These workshops explained the importance of personal hygiene and appearance in the workplace, and improved communication skills. Also Included in these sessions were discussions on the questions one might be asked at a job interview, and what questions to ask a potential employer during an interview. Microsoft Excel was used in assisting to prepare and adjust budgets and as a possible tool for balancing a checkbook.

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