Encore!Fairfield County Program Accepting Applications Until October 2

Guest article by Linda J. Friedman, Program Director, Nonprofit Leadership Program UConn Department of Public Policy

With support from AARP Connecticut, the University of Connecticut Nonprofit Leadership Program is offering its third Encore!Fairfield County program beginning on October 9, 2018. Encore!Fairfield County is an intensive four-month workforce development program tailored for seasoned corporate professionals age 50+ seeking to transition their skills and experience into managerial and professional employment in the Connecticut nonprofit sector.

Encore!Fairfield County was built on the success of Encore!Hartford which launched its eighth class in May of this year. Encore!Hartford has a proven track record of educating and preparing corporate professionals for a transition to careers in the nonprofit sector. Recent Encore!Fairfield County graduates are continuing that tradition and impact on Fairfield County’s nonprofit sector.

“Finding a job in today’s economy is challenging, especially for those over age 50. We want to help experienced workers find more than just a job, but a new career that allows them to fulfill their personal goals and aspirations, and use their experience and background to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut state director.

Encore!Fairfield County is designed and implemented by the University of Connecticut Nonprofit Leadership Program in strong partnership with AARP Connecticut, The WorkPlace, Connecticut Department of Labor, Career Resources, Inc., RYASAP, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, The Volunteer Center, the United Way organizations of Central Fairfield County, Western Connecticut and Greenwich, and Social Venture Partners Connecticut.

The program runs from October 9, 2018 – February 7, 2019 and offers:

• Deep Immersion in the Nonprofit Sector:  All components of the program are conducted in a diverse selection of CT nonprofit organizations.
• Education:  70 hours of managerial and professional skill-set transition education. Education component takes place at a number of Fairfield County area nonprofits.
• Resume Restructuring and Networking:  Crafting of resumes that reflect the individual’s transitional skills and experience applicable to the nonprofit sector. Development of networking strategies for the nonprofit sector and opportunities to meet with sector leaders key to an individual’s job search.
• Encore Fellowship:  The cornerstone of Encore!Fairfield County is the two-month, 30-hour per week fellowship with a CT nonprofit organization providing real world experience and networking opportunities.

  Applications accepted as of July 15 through October 2, 2018.  Acceptance decided in early September 2018. The full program fee is $2950.

Find more program and application information at https://dpp.uconn.edu/nonprofit-leadership/encore-connecticut/encore-fairfield-county/ or contact Linda Friedman, Program Director, UConn Nonprofit Leadership Program linda.friedman@uconn.edu or call 959-200-3817.