Since most P.O.D.E.R. students work two jobs, one of which is usually a night shift, the program, housed in a Robinswood portable, offers a flexible schedule with morning, afternoon and Saturday classes and childcare across the walkway in the main Robinswood facility. Most of the 90 students attend at least five hours a week. In addition to DeDamm, Laura Arenas and Joanne MacLean make up the staff. All students are required to study basic mathematics and the majority study English. The curriculum is presented mostly through independent study.
Students working on English skills, for example, use a combination of workbooks and videos.
Saturdays are special, thanks to the work of one Microsoft volunteer, Ramon Borges , who has set up beginning, intermediate and advanced computer classes. Edgar Loboton was so fascinated with computers that he studied on his own until he was able to teach the beginning level class himself. Edgar and many other P.O.D.E.R. students are eager to learn more about technology, but have no computers at home. Anyone with ideas for funding sources should call Herminia DeDamm at ext. P.O.D.E.R. also offers PASS, an independent study curriculum originally developed as a program for migrant children, to about 20 Hispanic students taking a full schedule in their home high schools and seeking extra credits in courses like U.S. History and American Government.