Program Components:

Academic/remedial support

Career counseling/exploration

1900 Pico Blvd

Santa Monica, CA 90405

of women who were retuning to school, many late in life, with low self-esteem and limited

career planning skills. Many had never spent the night away from their husbands or

parents, made decisions on their own, or supported themselves. Physical abuse and an

unwillingness to confront it were present as was the lack of faith in change. The

instructor's background was in physical education and counseling. From these two areas

she knew that self esteem and self confidence frequently originated in physical successes.

The goals of the practice are to:

• To stabilize the lives of women as they emerge from transition

A class was developed to combat low self-esteem and lack of career direction and

planning. Approximately 50 students per semester enroll. These individuals are invited to

join the "Women in Transition Club" started by the instructor. Other students are invited

to join via a flier that includes interviews with past participants. Presentations are also

made to on-campus classes as well as to women's groups meetings. Others hear of the

club through word of mouth. Upwards of 200 women are in the program. The club

encourages the women’s participation in physical events by taking the women camping,

rock climbing, and encourages their participation in foot races including marathons. From

the women’s participation in five marathons, they have raised over $20,000 that was used

as scholarships for other women.

Additionally, the instructor has brought the women to professional conferences to network

with similar women as well as with those who have succeeded.

The Women in Transition Club has no physical location, funding, clerical or

administrative support. It is primarily sustained by the energy of one staff person, and the

enthusiasm of the participants. Club participants have continued their education,

completed training programs and increased the stability of their families.