Elective Classes and Activities

There are many elective classes and activities that the De Anza program offers at each HOPE site to supplement the vocational work activity programs and enhance students’ skills and abilities while preparing for community employment.

Workforce Preparation, Career & Skills

Job Preparation Classes

Instruction focuses on helping students to identify their current skills and interests, the importance of possessing and demonstrating a strong work ethic and positive attitude, developing a current resume and master application, interview skills training and practice, (one-one and video tape) and focusing and preparing students for current labor market trends.

Computer Classes and Lab

At each site students have an opportunity to use computers to

• develop and practice basic keyboarding skills,
• learn Microsoft Office applications
• be introduced to the internet
• access an extensive library of educational learning games such as 
  • basic math
  • managing a trip to the local grocery store

Coffee Club

The Alfred Street and Whittier sites offer students the opportunity to learn customer service skills and basic cash register operation while making and serving coffee to peers and staff. Students keep track of inventory, order supplies and manage a budget.

Cycles of  Hope

Located at the HOPE Alfred St. location.  De Anza  provides training in all aspects of bike repair, customer service, sales, and cashiering.  The bikes that are serviced are sold at Alfred St. on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and occasionally at various locations in the community on Saturdays.  408 562 1836

E-Waste to Wages

A new and innovative "green" program located at the HOPE Whittier location. De Anza students utilize their customer service skills training to greet and assist the public who are depositing their electronic equipment that is near or at the end it's useful life to the designated donor drop off site.

 Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Current Events

In the daily current events class students increase active learning and critical thinking skills,while becoming more informed about world and local events.  The class utilizes the world wide web, area newspapers, popular magazines, and television and radio coverage to increase students' awareness of notable people and places, and of social and political issues.

Creative Writing

In creative writing, socialization activities focus on teaching each student how to “brainstorm” as member of a group, share ideas, take turns, take risks and problem solve in order to put together an individual story or group poem. The class has published two books to date and are getting ready to complete their third. 

   Read a poem and link to others from the 2008 book, "Them, Me & We."   Purchase the book and support students' efforts. Also check out their 2009 book, "Trouble Maker."      

A Special Event

 Jane's experience reading her own poetry and singing in front of large audiences through De Anza College's Music Performance Class made her the perfect choice to speak at Hope's,  "Rise and Shine Breakfast" with Jane Pauley last year. Jane was also able to share a personal poem with Jane and it was a hit!!

                                                                                               

                                          

Music Performance

This is a socialization/public speaking class that assists students in building self-confidence and self-esteem through musical performance(vocal, dance, written expression and sign language). Students learn to comprehend and memorize the lyrics and movements to a song of their choice and

learn the importance of expressing the meaning of their song to an audience utilizing eye contact, facial expressions and body movement. Students also learn how to give constructive feedback to their peers.  Once a year, the De Anza staff team with Metropolitan Adult Education for an evening

performance which is a culmination to showcase students' efforts in creative writing, poetry, sign language, and singing.   

Women's and Men's Health and Safety

These classed, offered at the Alfred Street and Whittier sites, are co-facillitated by De Anza College  and the San Andreas Regional Center's Consumer Relations Program Manager. Critical skills are emphasized to help students be less vulnerable in their communities and to learn the differences between strangers, acquaintances, friends and boyfriend/girlfriends. Students also learn how to identify and report abuse.

Basic ESL Class

Instruction focuses on assisting De Anza students to develop simple and meaningful work related vocabulary words and phrases.

Leadership, Advocacy and Civics

Leadership Group

Teaches students the building blocks of leadership and self-advocacy. Each class is responsible for organizing and carrying out at least one fundraising activity for a local charitable organization of their choice which must involve other Hope De Anza students.  In the process, students
build skills in:

• communication
• self advocacy and client rights
• decision-making
• basic planning

To date, our Leadership student's have:

• Raised 1,000 lbs. of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank
• Raised money and 132 lbs. of candy for "Operation Care and Comfort" to support our troops
• Donated food and housekeeping items to "JW House" in Santa Clara

Aktion Clubs

       

The Aktion Clubs offer disabled students an opportunity to be part of the Kiwanis club and participate in social activities both at the workshops and out in the community.  Whittier was the first site to      implement an Aktion Club, starting in 2009.  The Cambrian Park Kiwanis Club is the sponsor.

Client Advocacy Group

Student leaders work on problem solving techniques to address issues that

come up in both the workshop and community employment.  This group meets once a month and includes members from all HOPE programs and works
with HOPE's clients' rights manager.  They also attend and participate in area and state conferences such as People First and Supported Life Conferences.

"Weed Warriors"

Student volunteers from the Hope Alfred St. site go out weekly to assist with weed abatement and other seasonal tasks at the Don Edward's Refuge in Alviso.  Many of the students have volunteered more than 1000 hours                                                                                            .

On-Campus Classes

Adapted Physical Education

To encourage fitness and health in support of work goals, students may also elect to participate in an Adapted Physical Education course after the regular HOPE site work day.  This class takes place on the De Anza campus twice a week during the scheduled De Anza College quarters. HOPE-De Anza staff accompany students to the class.