The overall goal of both the "Shining Star" and "Points of Light" programs is to increase the job skills and abilities of individuals from within the low-income population in South Georgia in order for them to access and maintain competitive employment. Out targeted population is often deficient in educational achievement, lacks self-confidence and has little knowledge of how to obtain and retain a job. These programs are designed to serve the enrollees by sharpening their computer skills and introducing them to career explorations along with personal skills enhancement - all in an environment that is both motivating and rewarding.

By improving computer and personal skills, individuals will be in a much better position to transition from living on low-income to a productive, more enriched and independent work life. And, probably as important, many of the participants will be in a position at the conclusion of the program to view themselves differently - as winners not as losers.

A computer requires learning a new vocabulary and becoming dexterous using the keyboard and a mouse. As the participants become more and more interested in all the ways computer knowledge can enhance their lives (professionally and personally), we increasingly strive to improve their job readiness skills.