By Kyle McCarthy
Daytona State College’s Center for Women and Men began a wellness seminar designed specifically for men called the Fresh Start for Men course.
This four week course is intended for men who are going through a transitional phase in their lives. The program is no charge and meets three times a week, totaling twelve classes. It is set up to help men set goals, develop job skills, plan for the future and feel confident about themselves. The men who attend are given all the help they require in order to get the General Education Diploma they never quite went after, find the right occupational certificate to move forward and even go after a degree.
“He who ventures forth is going to be successful,” said Neal McCoppin, the course’s instructor and retiree of the U.S. Marine Corps. McCoppin is a former school administrator and said that about 15 or 20 men attend each course. They adhere to a course schedule ─ not unlike the one most students receive for classes ─ and are even given homework and reading assignments.
Each attendee is given a student presentation project for the end of the four weeks and the course even has a graduation event. It is a four week uplifting slap in the face for men who need it the most.
Building job résumés, planning finances and developing self-confidence are all basics of the course, which teaches you how to live a new life. There have also been guest speakers, which have included members of Advanced Technology College and financial aid representatives, giving their expertise on the subject.
The Center for Women and Men has had a women’s center for nearly 35 years but within the past five has added the men’s portion, the Fresh Start for Men — in its third year. Fresh Start for Men graduates may even be eligible to receive career and technical tuition support. In order to be eligible for the course, you must be at least 16 years of age and not enrolled in public school. Also, you must have a high school diploma or GED, or have been referred by the Daytona State College School of Adult Education.
Fresh Start for Men meets the Daytona campus, building 100, room 219. The next four week course begins October 15 and again on November 12.