AARP Foundation WorkSearchAdvisor-Led Training

Women’s Scholarship ProgramHelping women 40+ discover new lives and new futures

Expanding opportunitiEs: aarp Foundation and nBsa

Due to the overwhelming response received by the

Women’s Scholarship Program, AARP Foundation has

now expanded its program to award hundreds of

advisor-led training scholarships each year. Provided

through the National Business Services Alliance (NBSA),

advisor-led training is designed to give workers the

skills to get a better job and earn more—in 12 weeks

or less. The creators of AARP Foundation’s WorkSearch

system, NBSA helps thousands of mature workers

achieve job success through its career planning, job

readiness training and employment services.

AARP Foundation selected NBSA to provide the ALT

program because NBSA is the nation’s only university-

endorsed skills certification organization. Backed

by a nationwide alliance of respected universities

strategically positioned across the country, NBSA

delivers large-scale solutions for a variety of national

workforce challenges. This expansive reach allows

allows the AARP Foundation to simultaneously

develop the job skills of more than 100,000 members

from coast to coast.

The AARP Foundation is dedicated to creating new opportunities for mature workers to improve their financial security and personal well-being, with an emphasis on those at greatest risk.

Toward that end, AARP Foundation established the Women’s Scholarship Program to enable mature women to participate in education and training opportunities they could not otherwise afford.

With WorkSearch’S advisor-lEd training WomEn Can:

start right aWay

With advisor-led training (ALT), there’s no need to wait for the

start of a semester. You can enroll right away.

gEt pErsonalizEd support

ALT Training Advisors work one-on-one with program

participants to help them get the most from their certification

program. They’ll guide enrollees through every step of the

program and develop a personalized learning plan that’s right

for them.

Earn a CErtiFiCation to provE thEy’rE JoB rEady

Upon program completion, participants earn a certification

endorsed by a leading university. This demonstrates to

employers that certificate holders possess the right skills and

are motivated and eager to work.

land an in-dEmand JoB

The program’s extensive labor market research ensures that

training is focused on the nation’s most in-demand job roles.

With a strong emphasis on employment assistance, the ALT

program helps prepare students to land those jobs.

makE morE monEy

It’s a fact: workers with in-demand skills earn bigger paychecks

and enjoy a better quality of life. Whether they’re looking

for training to reenter the workforce or to get a better job,

advisor-led training can put mature workers on the fast track

to career success.

“I completed my course with NBSA and have a customer service certificate that I have been using with my resumé. I start my new job on June 23rd with a health insurance company. I am looking forward to the job. I really think the certificate helped me.”

Donna M. Sewickly, PA Customer Service Representative Certification

mary CollEtt

Certifications: Essential Medical Office Skills Medical Assistant Medical Administrative Assistant

Issued by: Rutgers University Division of Continuous Education & Outreach

Despite her educational background as a nursing assistant, Mary Collett was having

a difficult time finding a job in her chosen field. Working part-time hours as a

housekeeper to make ends meet, Mary was eventually able to secure an AARP

scholarship that allowed her to enroll in NBSA’s online certification programs. “NBSA

sounded great,” Mary said. “The best part was that it was online and that I didn’t

have to be in a classroom. I could work when I needed.”

Because NBSA allows students to earn unlimited

certifications during their enrollment period, Mary

was able to earn three different medical certifications.

Within 12 weeks, Mary had landed a job working at an

area hospital’s medical surgical unit.

“NBSA changed my life. There were other people

up for the position, but I got the job because of my

certifications,” Mary said. “I couldn’t have done it this

fast without NBSA. If I’d chosen community college, I’d

still be in school.”

Currently working full-time at the hospital and

pursuing a full nursing degree at a local community

college, Mary wrote her Training Advisor with an

update on her progress. “Things are going great at

my new job at Mary Breckenridge Hospital. Thank you

for helping me accomplish my goal and to provide a

better life for my family and all the people that I get a

chance to help every day. I will never forget what you

have done for me.”

Whether it’s the personal support and guidance provided by our Training Advisors or the quality of our course work, AARP Foundation and NBSA are making a difference in our students’ lives every day. But don’t just take our word for it, listen to what our students have to say.

“NBSA changed my life. There were other people up for the position, but I got the job because of my certifications.”

nahEd ghoBrial

Certification: Medical Assistant

Issued by: Louisiana State University, Continuing Education

A former physician in Egypt, Nahed Ghobrial immigrated to the United States in

2006 to provide a better future for her three children. Upon settling in Greenville,

South Carolina, however, Ghobrial discovered that continuing to work as a

physician simply wasn’t an option. “I tried to work in a doctor’s office, just as an

assistant, but no one would hire me,” she explained while speaking from her home

this past September.

Despite her 20 years of experience as a doctor, Ghobrial learned that she would

have to attend an additional year of medical school in order to practice as a

physician in the United States. Unfortunately for Ghobrial, the nearest medical

school was two hours away, and taking a year off to attend school full-time simply

wasn’t an affordable option for the mother of three.

Unable to find work in the medical field, the former physician worked at a local

Sam’s Club, an area Subway restaurant and finally at a factory, working a 12-hour

overnight shift as a quality control technician.

While attending courses at an area community college,

Ghobrial saw a notice about an AARP Women’s

Scholarship program. After applying, Ghobrial was

notified that she had secured a scholarship with

NBSA. Soon after she began her Medical Assistant

certification program.

Although Ghobrial had learned English in her native Egypt, she was concerned that

her language skills might pose an obstacle during her telephone sessions with her

Training Advisor. Happily that wasn’t the case. “I never had a problem; my Training

Advisor was very nice and patient with me,” she said, adding, “I felt comfortable

working with all these people because they all wanted to help.”

In just five weeks, Ghobrial was able to earn her certification and soon applied for

a job as a medical assistant with a hospital in Toledo, Ohio. In addition to helping

Ghobrial with her resumé, NBSA’s support staff even couriered her certification to

the hospital.

Set to begin her new job in late October, Ghobrial said she’s looking forward

to working again in the medical field. She also explained that she plans to

get fully certified as a physician in the United States. “This is the first step,

because [in Ohio] I can go to college and I can study. I want to do it. I want

to get the qualification for my certificate to be a physician again.”

Clearly excited about her new opportunity, Ghobrial says working in a

hospital will be so much easier than a factory. “It’s good to get a job that

I love. I want to thank the NBSA program for giving me a chance.”

“It’s good to get a job that I love. I want to thank the NBSA program for giving me a chance.”

ina JorgE

Certification: Technical Writer Personnel Manager Supervisor/Manager

Issued by: Rutgers University Division of Continuous Education & Outreach

For Ina Jorge, earning an NBSA certification was a way to increase her responsibility and earning potential in her newfound career. “When I received my NBSA scholarship, I wanted to know what [certifications] would be good to enhance the job I’m doing now,” Jorge said. After working for years in the pharmaceutical industry, Jorge had recently transitioned to a new career as an operations supervisor in a biomedical testing lab.

Upon consulting with her NBSA Training Advisors, Jorge decided on a path to improve and validate her management and communications skills. During her 12-week enrollment period, Jorge was able to earn three certifications: Personnel Manager, Supervisor/Manager and Technical Writer.

“I’m a supervisor, so the NBSA program really enhanced the skills that I need to use in managing people,” Jorge said. “Getting the certifications enabled me to document and validate my skills.”

Talking about her writing and management skills, Jorge said, “I thought I was good at it, I got better at it, and now I can prove it, which is great.” She said her newfound confidence enabled her to go to her employer and say, ‘Hey, I can handle supervising people, look at this [my certification]. I do have the skills .... That’s really important leverage for me.”

With her certificates in hand, Jorge was able to secure a pay increase and an expanded role at her company. Speaking of her training program, she said, “It was very advantageous.”

What advice would Jorge have for people considering NBSA’s job readiness training? “I would absolutely encourage others to do it ... definitely,” she said. “I’ve learned quite a bit, and I’m sure it’s only going to benefit my career.”

“I would absolutely encourage others to do it ... I’ve learned quite a bit, and I’m sure it’s only going to benefit my career.”

“The program’s advisors are great. Without their guidance it would be like going across the sea without a rudder. They’re very instrumental in the program’s success.”

Ruth D. Colorado Springs, CO Customer Service Representative Certification

©2008 National Business Services Alliance. All rights reserved.

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In collaboration with National Business Services Alliance

The AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. The Foundation’s WorkSearch and Senior Community Service Employment Programs help older workers receive the job training and placement they need to rejoin the workforce. SCSEP is funded primarily by the US Department of Labor through a competitive grant process.

Additional Foundation programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.