FREE GED ONLINE PREPARATION

FREE GED ONLINE PREPARATION NOW
PROVIDED BY
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

(Press Release from Minn. Dept. of Education, 12.04.08)

The Minnesota Department of Education announced a new online instructional program for Minnesotans who are preparing for their General Educational Development Diploma (GED). GED-i, a nationally-recognized and teacher-facilitated service, is free to innesota students.

"This is an important resource for people who are working toward their GED diploma," said Commissioner Seagren. "For many Minnesotans, transportation, child care and work obligations have kept them from going to class to prepare for the GED test. This new program will make GED preparation much more accessible."

GED-i learning is facilitated by instructors from local adult educa-tion programs. Registered students will work with a licensed teacher from their local Adult Basic Education (ABE) program in an online environment. Instructional content can be accessed on he Internet at any time.

According to the 2007 American Community Survey, ten percent (388,074) of Minnesotans over the age of 18 lack high school equivalency. Individuals who do not have their high school diploma or equivalent (GED) are at a severe disadvantage in the creasingly competitive job market.

The GED-i program is an online preparation program only; the GED test itself must be taken in person at a GED examination center. Student enrollment in person at an ABE provider site is lso required.

For location information about your closest ABE and GED-i pro-vider, visit this website http://www.themlc.org/hotline.html or call the Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline at 1-800-222-1990. For ad-ditional information about the GED test itself, visit the GED information Website at http://mnabe.themlc.org/GED2.html

Job: Program Director, Minnesota Girls Academy

Program Director
Organization: Minnesota Girls Academy

Post Date: Nov 26, 2008
Type: Full Time
Start Date:
Salary:
Location: Bricelyn, Minnesota - United States
Educational Requirements: Masters preferred

Specific Education, Certification and Skill Requirements (if applicable):


Job Description:
The Minnesota Girls Academy (MGA) is a residential girls high school poised to open in the Winter of 2009. The Minnesota Girls Academy will provide an intellectual and experiential educational environment. The Academy seeks to promote the highest level of academic achievement while instilling a strong sense of social /life skills.

MGA is looking for a Program Director to begin in the Winter of 2009. We seek a Program Director with an educational background, who has a strong commitment to Jewish values, and is an excellent communicator.


The Program Director will be the Chief Executive of the school. The Program Director's responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Overall responsibility for all aspects of School operation
• Head of and supervisor of all teaching faculty and employees
• Ex-officio member of Board of Directors
• Representative at all committee meetings of the school
• Maintain the mission of the school at all times.
• Ensure on going communication with all members of the school community
• Work with the Dean and Board to help our school continue to plan and to meet goals
• Import strategies for strategic future planning
• Empower and guide students

Institutional Leadership & Administration:

• Guide the development and delivery of educational, religious, and extra-curricular policies and practices.
• Oversee and develop curriculum.
• Staff recruitment
• Work with the Dean and Board of Directors to set priorities, identify opportunities for institutional growth, and implement strategic and financial plans.

Community Relations:

• Oversee the recruitment and enrollment of students.
• Financial / Operational Administration
• Ensure proper management of facilities, monitoring policies and procedures to guarantee safety, security and effective emergency planning.
• Maintain accreditation and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal educational regulations and standards.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Charismatic, visionary, decisive leader with exemplary communication skills, planning and management abilities.
• Proven track record as an educational administrator or leader
• Strong background in education, and an advanced degree in education, administration, or related field.
• Excellent people skills, including the ability to interact warmly and cultivate relationships with parents, students, faculty, donors, board members and at-large community.
• Ability to inspire confidence in parents and students, faculty and staff.
  Understanding of business / financial management.
• Administrative and technological competence.
• Ability to set clear priorities.

Salary:

Commensurate with Program Directors throughout the Midwest region, the MGA Program Director will be offered an annual salary dependent on credentials and experience.

For more information please contact AY Weinberg at projectextremeay@aol.com


How To Apply:
Email: mbehar@projectextreme.org

Program evaluation resources available through the University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota has launched a new service: Program Evaluation Resources at the University of Minnesota.

Program evaluation is the systematic collection of information for use to improve effectiveness and make decisions with regard to what those programs are doing and affecting. This site was designed to help local nonprofit and government organizations connect with program evaluation resources at the University of Minnesota. Find expertise, student assistance, educational opportunities and more on the site.

RFP: Wilder’s Scattered Site Supportive Housing Programs

Request for Proposals

The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation invites qualified agencies and individuals to submit a proposal to provide group facilitation for parents of young children between the ages of 0-5 years old. Wilder’s Scattered Site Supportive Housing Programs provides support and housing assistance to formerly homeless families who live throughout Ramsey County.

Targeted Services:
We are looking for a facilitator to design a program that assist parents of young children (birth to kindergarten) with information and support that ensures school readiness. Goals include engaging parents regarding parent child interaction, child development and school readiness. The facilitator will need to have the ability to build relationships with families, including young parents and young children (birth to kindergarten). The facilitator should have knowledge of children’s developmental and educational needs; understand barriers of families living in poverty with multiple needs; the ability to work with a diverse participant population and provide culturally specific programming.

Proposed Services
Provide up to two groups for 6 to 8 weeks for parents with children ages 0-5.
Provide groups that relate to child development and school readiness that are culturally specific that meet the needs of the families in the group.
Provide culturally competent child development and school readiness resources and referrals.

Provide in-home services (if parent identifies this as a need to have more one-on-one services).

Intensity and Frequency of Contacts: The group facilitator will conduct groups for 6 to 8 weeks during the evening and/or weekend. Also, the facilitator may be required to provide one-on-one meetings that may or may not be in-home.

Group Ratio: The ratio can be up to 12 families that have children 0-5 years old.

Proposal: The proposal should provide in detail topics for each group, group curriculum, culturally specific resources and referrals to be used for the group, and how the group will infuse cultural differences with school readiness. Please submit a detailed budget.

Accommodations: Group location, child care space and staff for child care will be provided at the Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul, MN.

Proposal Submission and Deadline:

Please submit the proposals to:
Julie Shannon, Manager Project Quest, jjs3@wilder.org or
Deborah Mitchell, Manager ROOF Project, dkm@wilder.org
451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul, MN 55104

Deadline: No later than 4:00 p.m.
Friday, December 19, 2008

Please note:

• Failure to submit a proposal by the deadline may be grounds for rejection of the proposal.
• Proposals may be hand delivered, mailed or emailed. Faxed proposals will not be accepted.Responses must include one (1) original.
• The first page of the original must have the original signature of the officer who will be accountable for all representations.
• Unsigned proposals may be considered invalid.
• The proposal is limited to 5 pages. Please do not use a font size smaller than 11 pt.
• Wilder reserves the right to reject any and all proposals which do not, in the judgment of the Foundation, serve the best interest of Project Quest and/or the ROOF Project Collaborative or the intent of the RFP.
• Proposals must be valid for ninety (90) days from the due date.
• A proposal may be withdrawn on written request of the agency/individual
• Once submitted, a proposal becomes the property of the Wilder Foundation, and will not be returned.

2008 Annual Awards Program and Holiday Party of University UNITED

To Our Community Partners:

You are cordially invited to the 2008 Annual Awards Program and Holiday Party of University UNITED

Monday, December 15, 20085:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hmong Minnesota Professionals Building
225 University Avenue, at Marion Street(formerly Saxon Ford complex)
St. Paul, MN, 55103

Celebrate the best architecture and design projects of 2008 Honor the 2008 Metro Award Recipient: Dan Bartholomay, Commissioner of Minnesota Housing in recognition of his service as director of the Regionand Communities program at the McKnight Foundation.

Enjoy a "sneak preview" of an historical exhibit funded by the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission entitled "150 Years at the Center of the Twin Cities: the Intersection of University and Prior Avenues" See a demonstration of exciting community planning tools available through UPLAN,a program of University UNITED

Refreshments will be served
Linda Winsor
University UNITED
Assistant Director
1954 University Avenue, Suite 1
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651.641.0334
email: lindajwinsor@yahoo.com

H.I.R.E Minnesota Health, Infrastructure and Renewable Energy-Town Hall Meeting

This is a first in a series of Town Hall Meetings throughout the Minneapolis & St. Paul Area.

Green Jobs For Our Communities

What: Come to learn about green collar jobs and construction opportunities with free food and musical entertainment!

Who: Summit Academy OIC (SAOIC), EJAM, MN Baptist Convention, Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, Stairstep, ISAIAH, Insight News, MN OIC State Council, Congressman Keith Ellison, elected officials, community members, and YOU

Where: Minneapolis Urban League
2100 Plymouth Avenue North,
Minneapolis, MN 55411

When: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Why: Come to offer YOUR vision and learn about how YOU can help a campaign supporting renewable energy jobs to improve your community life.

For further information about the program, guests, and schedules, contact Alessandra Williams at 612-278-5259.

Sponsor-Summit Academy OIC, 935 Olson Memorial Hwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405

http://www.saoic.org

National Black MBA Association - Twin Cities Chapter

National Black MBA Association - Twin Cities Chapter

Are you interested in being a mentor to a high school student?
The NBMBAA's Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) invites you to join us for a mentor kick off meeting. Come learn about our program and how you can have a positive impact on a young persons life.

When: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 - 11:00am
Where: University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management Rm 1-143

Thank you for your help and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Sincerely,
Jamal Thompson Director of Education
communications@nbmbaatc.org

Women’s Foundation Announces Twin Cities’ Grants Information Session

MINNEAPOLIS - The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota will hold four Grants Information Sessions about its Social Change Fund in the Twin Cities in December. In alignment with its organizational core value of inclusion, the Foundation will offer sessions targeted to specific diverse communities, including African American, Disabilities, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender), and Asian American/Pacific Islander. Minnesota nonprofits seeking funding to advance economic, social and political equality for women and girls are encouraged to attend.

Schedule:
African American Community
Friday, December 12 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
The Cultural Wellness Center - 1527 E Lake Street, Minneapolis

Disabilities Community
Friday, December 12 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Courage Center - 3915 Golden Valley Road, Minneapolis

LGBT Community
Wednesday, December 17 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
YWCA Midtown - 2121 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
Partner: PFund

Asian American/Pacific Islander Community
Thursday, December 18 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Rondo Community Outreach Library - 461 Dale Street North, St.Paul
Partner: AAPIP National Gender & Equity Campaign

For more information, contact Charlotte Flowers, Women’s Foundation program officer, at 612-236-1807 or charlotte@wfmn.org.
http://www.wfmn.org/

Volunteers needed to help protect children, improve system

Now is the time for residents of Hennepin County to play an integral role in helping protect children from abuse and neglect. Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) are seeking community members for a Child Protection Citizen Review Panel to offer input on how the state and the County can improve Minnesota's child protection system.

Residents of Hennepin County can offer their insights on how to work together in government, communities, and families to better serve children in the child protection system and to help children remain safe and grow up in loving, nurturing families.

Consisting of 11-15 members, Hennepin County’s Citizen Review Panel will include men and women with a variety of experiences and backgrounds. People representative of the County’s population are encouraged to apply. Panel members will:

1. Offer an outside perspective on the internal workings of the child protection system.
2. Offer suggestions for the state and County to better safeguard children who have been abused or neglected.
3. Provide ideas on ways families and communities can work together to better serve children.

Volunteers will meet regularly, gather information through reports and interviews, and may analyze trends and data, study Hennepin County’s performance, review case files, and make recommendations to key leaders in the child protection system. The Department of Human Services and the County will consult with and provide ongoing support to Citizen Review Panel members.

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners will recommend members to be appointed by the Commissioner of DHS. Volunteers serve a two-year term (with some initial terms of three years for continuity), up to six years, or three terms maximum. These are unpaid positions.

Some out-of-pocket expenses incurred by volunteers that may be reimbursed are:
Child care of up to $50 per month
Mileage
Parking
Bus fare
Long-distance phone calls
Postage

A panel member may not be a current employee of the Hennepin County attorney's office, district court, social services, or court services; a foster care provider; or a paid guardian ad litem in Hennepin County.

Volunteer applicants will need to consent to criminal and maltreatment background checks.

Hennepin County is looking for volunteers who listen well, work as part of a team, and show sensitivity to children's diverse social, cultural, and economic needs. This is a great opportunity to truly make a difference in children's lives.

If you and or others in your organization or community are interested in volunteering for the Hennepin County Citizen Review Panel, please call Anita Keyes at DHS, 651-431-4704, or Anita.Keyes@state.mn.us by January 10, 2009, for an application form and release of information forms for background checks.

We would also appreciate it if you could forward this to others who may be interested. Information is also available on the DHS Web site, at http://www.dhs.state.mn.us - click on Children at top, then Child Protection on left side, then Citizen Review Panels on left side.

Interns and Volunteers, In the District Office of Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-5)

Interns and Volunteers
In the District Office of Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-5)

The office of Congressman Keith Ellison offers an intern program for individuals interested in learning about the operations of a Congressional office, current events as they relate to Congressional activity, federal legislation and legislative issues, constituent services, and events research and planning.

Responsibilities Include:
Clerical, including office reception, intake of constituent comments via mail and phone, and other duties as assigned
Events and Meetings, including researching community activities, researching privately-sponsored event and meeting background, assisting with event planning and logistics, and joining the Congressman at events and meetings
Constituent Services, specifically assisting Congressional staff in communicating with agencies and constituents.
Participation in regular briefings on current events and legislative issues, and trainings on constituent services and the operations of a Congressional office.

Qualifications:
Strong written and verbal communications skills, detail oriented, organized, able to multi-task, and a keen interest in learning the operations of a congressional office. Candidates participating in a formal internship program sponsored by a college or university or who will receive college credit are preferred.

Part-time and full-time opportunities are available starting immediately for up to six months. Hours are flexible. Interns and volunteers agree to serve without compensation, not to make any future claim for payment, and to acknowledge that the voluntary service does not constitute House employment. Although (and though) not employees of the House of Representatives, interns and volunteers agree to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects creditably on the House.

Darlynn M. Benjamin
Deputy District Director
Congressman Keith Ellison
5th Congressional District - MN
2100 Plymouth Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 522-1212 (o)
(612)522-9915 (f)
darlynn.benjamin@mail.house.gov

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is accepting applications for the NCE Commission

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is accepting applications from residents for one position on the newly created Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission.

The role of the commission will be to shape how the City engages its residents and works with neighborhood and community organizations, as well as oversee programming details and funding for neighborhood revitalization work. The resident who will be appointed by the MPRB on January 2, 2009 will be part of the 16-member commission. Of the remaining members, eight residents will be selected by neighborhood organizations and seven will be appointed by the Mayor and Council Members of Minneapolis.

The application deadline for the MPRB appointed commission position is December 19, 2008. Applicants are required to be Minneapolis residents who do not hold a current election certificate. Current MPRB employees are not eligible. Applications are available at: www.minneapolisparks.org (click on news item)·

612-230-6400
MPRB Customer Service Area,
2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, 55411
MPRB Recreation Centers

Sincerely,
Annie Young
Citywide Park Commissioner

Job: Associate Director of Services, Brain Injury Association of MN

Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
Position Description



Position: Outreach Manager
Supervised by: Associate Director of Services
Status: Full Time
Salary: Based on Qualifications plus Benefits


Position Summary:
The Outreach Manager is responsible to assure the Association’s Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan is adhered to by outreach staff. This program builds the acceptance of and respect for differences by continuous expansion of cultural knowledge, resources and adaptations of service models to better meet the needs of multicultural communities. In addition, the program will provide direct, ongoing individualized support to ensure access to and connection with support services for persons with brain injury, their families and professionals prior to, at the time of and following discharge from multiple types of settings. The multicultural outreach program expands the capacity for understanding residual issues related to brain injury and needed services among existing culturally specific and multicultural service providers. The goal is to improve the self-sufficiency of persons with brain injury in the Latino, Native American, African American, African Born and Hmong communities.

Responsibilities:
Implementation of designated outreach grants:
· Maintain organization strategic plan and vision as the priority for all staff.
Develop, implement, monitor and report on project performance in relationship to Grant/contract requirements.
· Develop, monitor and evaluate program operations.
Promote, facilitate, develop and maintain relationships with community resource providers who interface with Association Consumers with special attention given to those working with underserved populations.
Facilitate and assist in development and maintenance of relationships between community providers.
Recruit for and seek guidance from the Multi-Cultural Ambassadors Council, (Advisory Committee) that represents the constituents this Program serves.
Document necessary information related to barriers from consumers, community members, and providers to encourage success in programs available and, facilitate a process for resolution.



Document activities and provide a written quarterly report to Associate Director of Services.

Implementation of the Resource Facilitation program including:
· Provide on going Resource Facilitation documenting barriers, service gaps, and duplication of services experienced by persons with brain injury, families and professionals in the region.
· Work collaboratively with BIA-MN staff and hospitals to refine and implement discharge/referral process, develop materials, and document outcomes.
· Develop and evaluate cultural/language appropriate hospital, clinic and community educational resource materials.
· Develop, implement, monitor and report on project performance in relationship to Grant/contract requirements.

Information & Resources
· Provide on-site consultation to identified collaborators.
· Provide complete cultural/language appropriate referrals to BIA-MN staff for information, resources, and individual assistance.
· Market/Promote information and referral; 1-800 number; and provide basic information to potential referral sources.
· Respond to requests for information and resources.
· Supervise informational packet requests.
· Refer inquiries to appropriate service providers as needed.
· Develop new resources to meet evolving needs.
· Assist with resource library and website upkeep/organization.

Individual Assistance
· Provide on-going assistance to community providers.

Community Education/Public Awareness/Advocacy
· Increase awareness and understanding of brain injury by acting as a resource and providing training and information about technical assistance to families, survivors, professionals and the community at large.
· Inform consumers and service providers about their rights; empower them to direct their own services and support systems; and make informed choices.
· Assure the Department serves as the Brain Injury Association liaison to and provide training and technical assistance to culturally specific support groups.
· Organize and carry out activities to educate persons with brain injury, families, professionals and diverse communities about brain injury and brain injury issues.

· Work with service providers and government agencies on behalf of persons with brain injury and families.
· Develop and update educational materials in multiple languages.
· Build regional networks of liaisons on issues related to brain injury.
· Encourage communication and collaboration within the target communities.
· Attend State/County/Local planning meetings to speak for brain injury issues and assist with strategic plan development.
· Provide a proactive educational approach through hospitals and professionals which will facilitate consumer access to available supports.
· Attend and support Metro Area BICC.
· Attend community network meetings
· Work in collaboration with the Association’s Education Department to coordinate efforts and resources.

Outreach
· Visit service sites to gather information and represent, promote, and market Association programs.
· Identify and expand outreach services to targeted communities.
· Outreach and serve urban and rural areas within all ranges of socioeconomic factors.

Supervision
· Build and develop the Outreach team.
· Provide training, supervision and support to Outreach staff and program volunteers.
· Provide support and supervision to Outreach Team on Association processes, specifically with accessing resources, technical guidance, consultation, database use and telephone support skills.
· Implement staff annual reviews, provide staff emotional support, mentor and monitor team performance.


Additional Responsibilities
· Develop, and implement Program budget to its fullest capacity.
· Increase awareness of the Brain Injury Association's web site as an informational resource.
· Provide program information for Newsletter, conference and workshops, Roundtables, etc.
· Responsible to track data according to program reporting requirements.
· Maintain program records.
· Responsible to attend all program and staff meetings to insure continuity between Association outreach staff, contract staff and other program staff.
· Assist with program development.
· Other duties or projects may be assigned.



Qualifications:
Preference given to excellent bi-lingual Spanish written and verbal skills.
Strong interpersonal and group communication skills.
Degree or experience in health or related rehabilitation area (e.g., social work, nursing, special education, etc.)
Work or personal experience in case coordination and advocacy
Posses an understanding of local/state human service delivery systems.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent record keeping and report writing abilities
Transportation/travel required
Experience in community organizing
American Academy for the Certification of Brain Injury Specialists (AACBIS) certification within one year post hire date.


Characteristics:
The position requires a professional whose background is characterized by initiative and achievement. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and the ability to network and collaborate with a variety of people. Candidates must have strong people skills, a strong sense of professionalism, and a team approach to achieving the program goals.

Procedures:
Send cover letter, current resume and three references with contact information to: Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, 34 13th Avenue NE. Minneapolis, MN. 55413. Search will close when a suitable candidate is found. For additional information about the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota visit our website at www.braininjurymn.org.