The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) of United Wayof Central Ohiois pleased to announce the E3 program: Educate, Empower, Elevate. This program will help low-to moderate-income working women in central Ohio reach a new level of financial stability for themselves and their families. The WLC is a volunteer-driven group of 167 dedicated women who have built E3 from the ground up to help women meet basic needs, while collaborating with Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Godman Guild Association and New Directions Career Center to provide a comprehensive program that will prepare women for their next educational and employment endeavors.
To be considered for the E3 program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have a 9th grade reading and math level
- Be struggling to meet basic needs
- Have work experience and currently be working or have other means of support
- Be willing to work hard to improve your finances
The first phase of the program consists of an 18-week course designed to prepare women to pursue post-secondary education classes or training that leads to a livable wage job. These classes include an array of subjects geared to address the challenges faced by women returning to the academic environment. In addition to the “prep” classes, academic enrichment classes in math and English are included in this phase as well as financial counseling. Each participant is matched with their own personal mentor from among the WLC membership of successful, local business women. Participants will also have access to community resources that can lower expenses, and child care and transportation assistance, if needed, during this phase.
The second phase of the program begins with the entry into the post-secondary education enrollment. During this phase participants attend monthly support groups to share information and support one another. Relevant speakers provide a variety of informational workshops at some of these meetings. Participants also have access to one-on-one counseling.
The final phase of E3 occurs when the participant graduates from their post-secondary education. At this point, the E3 program assists the graduate in securing employment in her new field of expertise.
To begin your application process, please complete an application so that we may learn a bit more about you, your situation, and how you hope the E3 program will help. Your answers to the application questions are treated confidentially and will help us assess (with you) the potential this program has to meet your needs, and the capacity you have to participate fully. Any issues of concern to our program instructors will be discussed with you, either over the telephone or during an orientation interview. Please provide responses as completely as you are willing. A decision not to reply to some questions will not affect your application; however we ask that you mark “no reply”. The application can be downloaded (see bottom of this page) or a paper copy can be picked up at Godman Guild (303 E.6th Avenue) or New Directions Career Center (199 E. Rich St.).
As part of the application process, you will also be asked to complete a one-on-one orientation with a program instructor. After completing this orientation you may be asked to complete academic placement testing, and attend a selection interview with program instructors and WLC members. Acceptance into the program is announced the day following the panel interview.
We thank you for your interest in E3, and look forward to working with you in the future!
The E3 (Educate, Empower and Elevate) program is sponsored by the
Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Central Ohio.
The E3 partners are Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Godman Guild Association
and New Directions Career Center.
