Classroom Component

Training for the Future's classroom component takes place on Boston University's Charles River Campus. A team of instructors provide individual and group support in this recovery-oriented setting. Classes meet Monday through Thursday between 10 AM and 5 PM. Classes run from September to August. There is an optional recommended TFTF preparation that runs May - August, 1 day a week to help people get ready to attend the full-time program.

Class schedule and electives are selected depending on individual student goals and skill levels. The computer classroom is equipped with seventeen Dell Pentium 4 computers with a high-speed internet connection and Microsoft Office. The instructor's computer monitor is displayed on a large screen using an overhead projection system. Click here to see the range of courses offered.

Schedule Overview

• Computer, Career and Wellness classes.

• Monday - Thursday classes 10 - 5pm.

• 15 - 25 classroom hours per week
  

• Advanced Computer, Career and Wellness classes.

• Monday - Thursday 10 - 5pm.

• 15 - 25 classroom hours per week.
  

• At an employer

• Internship days vary Monday - Friday 15 - 20 hours per week.

• Internship support class "Employment Success & Satisfaction".

Optional Pre-Program Semester

This course prepares students for the program building fundamental skills such as organization, time management, scheduling, and computer basics. Begins prior to the commencement of the above one year program and runs September - December just prior to the star of the official program. The course meets once per week for a two-hour class and allows up to 3 extra optional computer and wellness courses.

Designed for Success

Two unique transitional courses greatly increase the effectiveness and outcomes of the Training for the Future program.

The first is the TFTF Prep Course that begins in the Fall before the official year starts in January. This course provides a gradual entry point for students, allowing them to adjust to the program by taking one course initially rather than jumping into the full course load of several classes 4 days a week. This one course for two hours a week allows students to meet one another and get acclimated to being back in a learning environment. Also, the course helps new students learn various skills needed to succeed in the BU Training for the Future program. For example, students learn how to organize their schedules using proven time management techniques, set up study habits that will greatly enhance their learning experience, communicate effectively with a range of different people (from other students and instructors to supervisors at their internship), along with various helpful skills and tips that enhance their ability to succeed both here at BU and in a job setting.

The second addition, Employment Success & Satisfaction, provides support and guidance to the students while they are in their internships. Students asked for this course and find it critical to the development of their work skills, because every week for two hours they are able to ask questions, vent frustrations and learn from one another's experiences both the positive and negatives ones. Many students have not been in the workplace for a long time and find internship and job environments challenging to navigate. This course focuses on work-related issues such as interactions with co-workers, coping with stress, dealing with expectations of employers and employees, and maintaining balance and wellness inside and outside of work.  The class discusses strategies and develops skills useful in order to remain a successful, valued employee and be satisfied in the work environment. We also explore how to advance from your current vocational situation in this interactive seminar.