CSM for Unemployment Insurance Program
The CSM for UI Program is an Approved Vocational Training for unemployment insurance in West Virginia! Through a partnership with the West Virginia Office of Adult Education, you can take the CSM Course for free, with a personal coach, for 6 weeks (with a possible 2 week extension).
While you are enrolled in an Approved Vocational Training, you will not have to document or report four work-search activities per week as required for unemployment insurance benefits. You can still search and apply for jobs at your own pace, but you won't have the job search requirements hanging over your head.
What is CSM?
The Core Strategies for Mathematics (CSM) Course is a self-paced online course that builds High Performance skills important for success in whatever you do!
- strong practical math skills
- problem-solving strategies and mindsets
- the ability to learn independently
- the intention to excel, persistence and attention to detail
- deep, earned self-confidence
These High Performance skills will help you get a (better) job, tackle advanced training, or go to college! They are important for all types of jobs, at all levels, in all industries.
The CSM Course uses a new type of educational technology that is highly personalized and supportive, and you will have a personal coach from West Virginia Adult Education to cheer you on!
The CSM Certificate - for building a career or going to college
When you finish the CSM Course, you will earn the CSM Certificate, and a digital Credly badge that you can add to their resume!
The CSM Certificate shows employers that you have valuable High Performance skills. The CSM Certificate is endorsed by many employer associations across the state.
You can also send a transcript of your CSM Certificate to colleges to be evaluated for college math credit. The CSM Certificate is currently accepted by many the following West Virginia colleges:
Does CSM work?
- A national evaluation of top self-paced online courses for youth and older adults lacking a high school diploma found CSM to be the most for building math skills, with the highest student enjoyment.
- Employees at a health insurance company who took CSM for upskilling -- 3/4 had college degrees! Here's what they had to say after taking CSM:
- In degreeforum.net (the most-used site for people looking to get online college degrees), CSM gets unanimous raves! Here's some of the postings:
“ I can’t suggest CSM enough. As someone with ADHD who is AWFUL at math, CSM is far more effective than any traditional setting that I’ve experienced in my life. It’s fun, and I am learning a lot more than I ever have! ”
" I’m in my mid-50’s and have nearly 40 years of experience in my field, yet I don’t have a degree. Every time I decided I’d like to go back to school, the math requirement scared me off. Then I read comments here about your course, and I figured I’d give it a go. ... the learning method made me feel…I think “safe”. After the initial 2-hour trial, I was shaking because I was actually learning, and thinking, ‘OMG, I CAN DO THIS!!’ "
“ Maybe I'm strange, but I loved CSM! It's what got me started back into my degree journey, especially since I really didn't want to take a math course. If it wasn't for CSM, there's no way I would have endeavored to tackle a Statistics course so I could go for a BA in Psych and now I am even considering a more math emphasized degree, like the BS in Data Science and Analytics! CSM gave me wings and a love of and appreciation for math! ”
Who is CSM for?
CSM is for everyone!
- People who want to prepare for a GED
- People who suffer from math (and math test) anxiety
- People who are thinking of going into a technical vocational or apprenticeship program but aren't sure if they have the math or learning skills
- People who left college because they couldn't do the math
- People who are on the path to college for a certificate or associate or bachelor's degree
- People who want to change careers, but who have been out of school or college for many years and don't think that they can do college or technical vocational programs
Program Details
The CSM for UI Program is offered by West Virginia Adult Education. They will provide you with a personal coach and fill in the forms required by Workforce West Virginia.
Program Requirements
- Login to CSM at least once per week
- Work on CSM for 42 hours (at least 21 hours in the first three weeks)
Optional Extension
If you have met the requirements of the 6 week program but you're not yet done with the CSM Course, you can receive an extension for 2 more weeks (during which you must log in each week and work for at least 14 additional hours).
Program Details
How much does the CSM for UI Program cost?
The CSM for UI Program is TOTALLY FREE, no catch!
When can I start
You can start the CSM for UI Program any Monday! Once you fill in the form below and do the intake process at West Virginia Adult Education, you will be able to start the following Monday.
Where is the CSM for UI Program offered?
CSM for Adult Ed is offered at in-person adult education centers in every county during the school year (with regional in-person availability in the summer), and fully virtually year-round. Fill in the interest form below to be contacted by your local adult education instructor with options.
What technology do I need?
The technology you need depends on whether you want in-person or virtual instruction. You can:
- Work totally in-person at an adult ed center: no technology need
- Do intake at the adult ed center and work on CSM remotely: Any internet-connected device (phone/tablet/computer, does not need to be high bandwidth)
- Completely virtual: For intake and post-assessment: A private space with a good internet connection and a laptop or desktop computer (NOT phone/tablet). For working on CSM: any internet-connected device (phone/tablet/computer, does not need to be high bandwidth)
Frequently asked questions about the CSM and UI Program:
What if I finish CSM in less than 42 hours?
What if I don't earn my CSM Certificate by the end of the CSM for UI Program?
What if I get a job while in the CSM for UI Program?
How do I check how many hours that I've worked?
How do I use my CSM Certificate?
What are work-search requirements?
CSM and UI Registration Form
You should be contacted by an instructor at West Virginia Adult Education within three business days.
If you haven't heard from anyone in that time, please call (303) 862-7233 x800 or email contact@smilabs.org.
