Page 139 of Antelope Valley College 1995-1996 Catalog by Antelope Valley Community College Lancaster California

GAIN 137 Definition Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) is Californias landmark welfare reform program, operating in counties throughout the state. It provides education, job services, and support services to welfare recipients to promote self- sufficiency and to eliminate welfare dependence. The Community Colleges are one of five major systems that work together to serve GAIN participants. Staff College Phone 943-3241 Program Advisement: Administrative Secretary: Tracking Clerk: Frank Roberts, Dean Ext. 570 Maureen Rethwisch Ext. 571 Pamela Ford Ext. 297 Program Description The GAIN program brings together complex systems to provide services for a common purpose: to enable welfare recipients to enter the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency. Distinctive Features Course is designed to provide competence in Basic Skills, Thinking Skills, and Personal Qualities as identified by SCANS, as well as Employability Skills and Life Skills as required by JTPA and LACOE. Career Options Prepare completers for entry level employment in non-technical skill jobs. Also may be considered as preparation for successful pursuit of vocational course work. Certificate Program Certificate not applicable Associate Degree Associate degree not available. Transfer Not a transfer major. GAIN Course LRN SKLS 91R4 EMPLOYABILITY LEARNING SKILLS GAIN 1-4 units 20 hours per week for 8 weeks Prerequisite: Referral by DPSS-GAIN of participants below grade level basic skills; or AVC assessment. This course offers instruction in the basic learning skills-reading, arithmetic, spelling, vocabulary, listening, speaking, and writing-at levels appropriate to meet the needs of the ESL student, the ABE student, and GED student. The course also includes instruction in Life Skills topics such as stress management, budgeting, study skills, and parenting, and in job- related topics such as interviewing, applications, and appropriate behavior on the job. Furthermore, the course incorporates the five competencies and the three-part foundation recommended by SCANS in order to have a participant reach a work-ready level of proficiency. For the GED student there is also instruction in the areas of science, social studies, and literature and the arts as part of preparation for taking the GED exam. In addition, the ABE student receives instruction in the areas covered by the CASAS system of progress and exit exams. (Credit course not applicable to the associate degree and certificate programs.)

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