Polish American Association offers a free Introduction to Office Skills Program GOISA (General Office Information Support Assistant) for participants who are motivated to improve their qualifications and find a fulfilling career in an office environment. The program trains future office assistants in today's most popular computer programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Quick Books) and other office skills, which include business correspondence ,filling ,bookkeeping and accounting procedures. Students improve their communication skills and command of the English language. They learn standards of office behavior, including: dress code; work habits and values; relating to the public, supervisors, and other employees. Students create a resume; learn about job sources and how to fill out a job application. They also participate in a mock job interview. Students must pass a test after each part of the covered material.

A person is enrolled when he or she completes the enrollment form provided by the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS), submits all required documentations, passes the English test , and her or his income is calculated.

The program, including the textbook and other materials, is free of charge. Instruction takes place in a well-equipped computer lab. Each student has access to a computer and the Internet. The PAA provides placement assistance, which includes teaching job search, job readiness skills, as well as finding jobs for participants and placing them into unsubsidized employment. We follow up our students' employment after 30 and 90 consecutive days of employment. Confirmation forms are signed by the employer. All applicants must meet the following requirements:

• 1. be authorized to work in the U.S.A.
• 2. be 18 years of age or older
• 3. must live in the City of Chicago
• 4. have a low or moderate income status*(*Information on current income limits is available at the PAA.)

For more information call at (773) 282-1122 ext. 401

The program is sponsored by Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS)