Young adult Detroiters can hone their skills on IBM or Apple computers, learn to surf the Internet and get job placement assistance - all while getting paid to do so, thanks to a new training program sponsored by Wayne State University's Word Processing Training Center.

Participants of the program must be low income, have a high school diploma or GED and be a Detroit resident. The 13-week program will pay participants up to $205 per week, giving them the potential to earn a total of $2,355if they complete the program.

"Our program uses performance-based incentives to motivate students," said Barbara Simmons, assistant director of the Word Processing Training Center.

Those residents interested in enrolling in the free training program can register by calling the Word Processing Training Center at 964-4807 or TDD1-800-649-3777. The center is located at 2727 Second Avenue Suite 122. Classes for the training program begin August 5. The classes run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Those enrolled in the classes will be taught word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, networking, the Internet and how to improve their typing skills. A transportation allowance is also available to eligible students.

This training program is funded in part by the Michigan Department of Career Development and the City of Detroit Employment and Training Depart. A MichiganWorks! Agency.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 14 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.