Harper College’s Women’s Program

By Fay Manglicmot, Roosevelt University Student

The Rita and John Canning Harper’s Women’s Program has helped over 300 women whom experienced domestic violence with tuition assistance, career counseling, and emotional support in 2011.

On average, two-thirds of the individuals enrolled in the program report that they have been in an abusive relationship. The program’s aim wasn't specifically to target victims of domestic violence, but intake forms originally developed by the Illinois Department of Labor, found most participants were in that category, said Susan McNamara, a specialist and grant writer for the women’s program. She said the statistics helped staff members to expand their programs focus to better address the needs of abuse survivors.

“It’s a program of opportunity and hope… A place for one-on-one support to achieve their goals for education, career plans and for moral support,” said McNamara

The program started in the early 1970’s as a result of a questionnaire mailed to the community. Women, who responded, wanted a means to continue their education. In 2011 alone, the program helped 540 people.

The Women’s Program at Harper College provides and supports education and employment goals of single parents, displaced homemakers, women who have experienced domestic violence or individuals with limited English proficiency. It is designed to help women set their own goals in a step-by-step plan and to also help with career directions, according to McNamara. A two-credit course called Life Choices and Career Direction helps them refine goals and plan for their education. In addition, it assesses their career interests and personal style to help explore their education and career options. Many students are successful in discovering and reaching their career goals.

Women’s program seminars that anyone can attend are offered periodically throughout the year. Recent seminar topics included- financial management, legal matters, divorce process, and domestic violence prevention.

Networking with other women and building support could be very beneficial, and the program has helped women reach a number of their goals. Many women have found it to be a great pathway for a new start.

“I’m so glad that I found the Women’s Program,” says Jean, whose story is told in the Women’s Program brochure. “I was beginning to think that there was no hope for me, but now I can see that there is some light at the end of my tunnel. I am really proud to be a participant in this program.”

If you know someone who needs moral support, resources, and help finding career directions, then the Women’s Program at Harper College can help them discover great opportunities that can lead to a wonderful life- changing experience.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course.