Elective Classes and Activities

There are many elective classes and activities that the De Anza program offers at each HOPE site to supplement the vocational work activity programs and enhance students’ skills and abilities while preparing for community employment.

Computer classes and Lab

At each site students have an opportunity to use computers to

• develop and practice basic keyboarding skills,
• learn Microsoft Office applications
• be introduced to the internet, and
• access an extensive library of educational learning games such as 
  • basic math
  • managing a trip to the local grocery store.

Leadership Group

The group chooses a local charitable organization in the community.  They then plan and carry out a fund-raising activity.  In the process, students
build skills in:

• communication
• self advocacy and client rights
• decision-making
• basic planning

In the fall of 2008, they organized a holiday food drive and collected more than 700 pounds of food stuffs for a local food bank by contributing themselves
and by motivating and organizing the clients at the workshop site to participate.

Current Events Class

In the daily current events class students increase active learning and critical thinking skills,while becoming more informed about world and local events.  The class utilizes the world wide web, area newspapers, popular magazines, and television and radio coverage to increase students' awareness of notable people and places, and of social  and political issues.

Creative Writing

In creative writing, socialization activities focus on teaching each student how to “brainstorm” as member of a group, share ideas, take turns, problem solve in order to put together an individual story or group poem during each class session. At the end of the year  students select their favorite stories and poems to publish.    Read a poem and link to others from the 2008 book, "Them, Me & We."   Purchase the book and support students' efforts.

Coffee Club

The Alfred Street and Whittier sites offer students the opportunity to learn customer service skills and basic cash register operation while making and serving coffee to peers and staff. Students keep track of inventory, order supplies and manage a budget.

Music Performance

This is a socialization class that assists students to build self-confidence and self-esteem through music and communication activities.  HOPE-De Anza staff team with an adult ed instructor who teaches sign language to all interested HOPE students. An annual talent show is a culmination showcasing student effort in sign language, poetry and singing.

Aktion Clubs

The Aktion Club offers disabled students an opportunity to be part of the Kiwanis club and participate in social activities both at the workshops and out in the community.  Whittier is the first site to implement an Aktion Club, starting in 2009.  The Cambrian Park Kiwanis Club is the sponsor.

Client Advocacy Group

Student leaders work on problem solving techniques to address issues that come up in both the workshop and community employment.  This group meets once a month and includes members from all HOPE programs and works
with HOPE's clients' rights manager.  They also attend and participate in area and state conferences such as People First and Supported Life Conferences.

Adapted Physical Education

To encourage fitness and health in support of work goals, students may also elect to participate in an Adapted Physical Education course after the regular HOPE site work day.  This class takes place on the De Anza campus twice a week during the scheduled De Anza College quarters. HOPE-De Anza staff accompany students to the class.

Women's and Men's Health and Safety

This class, offered at the Alfred Street and Whittier sites, is co-taught by HOPE-De Anza instructors and the San Andreas Consumer Relations Program Manager, Diane Francisco.  Critical skills are emphasized to help students be less vulnerable in their communities and to learn the differences between strangers, acquaintances, friends and boyfriend/girlfriends.  After students have become more informed about these topics, the class then focuses on the physiological and emotional aspects of being male and female.

"Money Smart"

A new program offered starting at one site in 2009 instructs students about basic personal finance skills in banking, checking account management, budgeting, the importance of savings and learning about credit.  Financial Advisor, Kathleen Fitts teaches this class.