Goodwill of Colorado is creating paths for non-traditional students to earn their high school diplomas and enter the workforce. Their Iliff campus in Aurora hosts the Excel Center, the state's first free adult high school. Since the program started in 2024, it has helped 158 graduates secure diplomas instead of traditional GEDs.
The organization also provides specific vocational training beyond the classroom. The BankWork$ program offers a free five-week course for people pursuing careers in banking. Additionally, their Clean Tech Accelerator prepares individuals for technical roles, such as maintaining electric vehicle charging stations. These initiatives are funded by store revenue, with 90 cents of every dollar directed back into these community training programs.
Students like Clara Stewart demonstrate the impact of these services. After a personal life change, Stewart attended the Excel Center to complete her education while working at a Goodwill store. Her experience highlights how the organization combines on-the-job experience with academic support to help adults change their career trajectory.