Susan Downey is mulling her options after 26 years at her job at Corporate Graphics, which is shuttering its doors and laying off employees. Her last day is March 27.

Thanh Nguyen began taking truck driving classes at Riverland Community College (RCC) when seeking a career change.

Terri Simonson lost her job of 3 1/2 years and is considering college courses to boost her skills.

“I’m still undecided what I want to do,” Simonson said. “I would like to get a class I can actually get a job for.”

These three are only a small sampling of the thousands of people nationwide who are reassessing their interests, priorities and goals – many after decades in the same careers and even companies.

Workforce Development, Inc. and RCC are joining forces to resurrect their “New Directions” classes, which began Tuesday night.

The one-night-only, free sessions offer assistance and advice to those who have been laid off or are looking for a new career or additional training.

Deb Vang, assistant director of admissions at RCC, said the classes, which were offered four years ago and then dropped when the economy picked up, are a “stepping stone.”

“We’re very aware it’s a difficult time for many people, and we are very hopeful for the future,” Vang said.

In addition to the anticipated increase in federal financial aid for colleges like RCC, some expect job shortages as the baby boomer generation retires almost en masse.

The big question for many is how to finance attending college, Vang said.

“When you have so much time to go to school, how do you fund your life?” she said.

Other concerns include age discrimination; not all students are 18 years old, Vang said. In fact, the majority of RCC students are part-time. The average student age is 25.

The Workforce Development Center — which is not affiliated with RCC, but is located on its Austin campus — offers financial aid for those who qualify, resume and career-seeking assistance and training.

Vang said “pools of money for folks who have been laid off” are available through Workforce Development, from gas money to $4,000 in tuition assistance depending on qualifications.

“It’s worth a trip to the Workforce center,” she said.

Vang explained the three forms of financial aid: grants do not have to be paid back unless the student drops out; loan payments begin six months after graduation; and work study jobs for $8 per hour for 15 hours per week, or as much as $11 for tutors.

Also, community college applicants do not need a high school diploma, GED or ACT or SAT scores. If students do not have a high school degree or equivalent, they can take an Ability to Benefit test to gain entry to college. Riverland also offers counselors and other staff to assist in class and career assistance and financial aid.

“Tonight is just a starting point,” Vang said. “We can really get you connected to the people who want to help.”

Future “New Directions” workshops include:

Austin Campus — Tuesdays, March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23 and July 28 in room C123, East Building

Albert Lea Campus — Wednesdays, March 25, April 29, May 27, June 24 and July 29, Skylight Room

Owatonna Campus — Thursdays, March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25 and July 30.