Supported Education

Beth Goodwin
SEP Coordinator
Phone: 860-512-2652

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Supported Education Program in Business Office Technology (SEP/BOT)?

SEP/BOT is an occupational skills training program operated by Community Enterprises, Inc. on the campus of Manchester Community College.

What is the primary goal of SEP/BOT?

The primary goal of the Supported Education Program (in BOT) is to effectively train adults with developmental disabilities in a variety of clerical/office skills and then place them in independent office positions working within the business community.

What is the relationship between Community Enterprises, Inc. and Manchester Community College?

Community Enterprises, Inc. is a non-profit organization, which provides services to adults with disabilities. The Supported Education Program exists as a partnership between Community Enterprises, Inc. and Manchester Community College.

When does the program start and how long is it?

SEP is a one-year program that starts in September and continues through the following August. Students are enrolled in a dedicated class at MCC for two semesters (Fall and Spring). Once regular classes end in the Spring (May), students continue in the Summer Program.

What is the class size?

Class size ranges from 8-10 students.

What kind of credits and degrees are students given?

Upon graduation, students are awarded a non-credit, non-transferable Certificate of Completion in Business Office Technology from Manchester Community College. 

What classes do students take?

Students take classes designed to prepare them for success as independent adults.  Achievement in the workplace is the primary goal.

Areas of classroom instruction include:
  • Keyboarding
  • Basic computer skills using the most current applications (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Internet Explorer, FrontPage)
  • General office skills (e.g. filing, copying, faxing, telephone skills, etc.)
  • Business writing
  • Job preparation
  • Career counseling
  • Job search skills
  • Appropriate workplace behavior

What type of vocational training is received?

The program offers training in entry-level office and business support skills.

Office Support: Data entry, filing, receptionist, administrative, general office

Business Support: Distribution/mailroom, shipping and receiving, etc.

What is a typical schedule for students?

Students take class on the MCC campus five days a week (Monday through Friday) from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Stu dents also go to their internship sites on at least two afternoons each week (days/times vary by site).

How do students get to school (and to internships)?

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from campus, and to and from their internships sites.

Options are:
  • Self or family member transportation
  • Public bus
  • Dial-A-Ride

What is an internship?

An internship is an unpaid work experience at which students receive job training.  Students are assigned an on-site supervisor (known as a mentor) who is an employee of the host company.

Where are the internship sites located?

Internships are arranged within community-based orgnizations. Internships are located in the greater Hartford area with the student's town of residence taken into consideration when matching him/her to an internship site.

Who should I contact for more information?

Beth Goodwin
Supported Education Program
bgoodwin@mcc.commnet.edu
(860) 512-2787

Last Update: February 21 2008
For additional information, contact: Beth Goodwin