“I gained so much from this program,” said Michaela. “I’m now able to go to college and further my education. I also gained confidence that I could do anything I set my mind to. I’m so excited to start my new journey.”
LEAP UP Pilot Program
Goodwill employee achieves her dream of completing high school.
Sioux City, IA-Last Spring, Goodwill of the Great Plains launched a pilot program, called LEAP UP, offering eligible adult employees the opportunity to complete online courses to achieve an accredited high school diploma and earn a career certificate. Michaela French, Backroom Supervisor, at our 3100 W 4th Street Store, jumped at the opportunity to participate.
Michaela, mother of five, was inspired to complete her high school degree after watching her three oldest children graduate and move into post-secondary education. With tremendous support from her husband, children and family, she began the rigorous online program in May of 2016. We are now proud to announce that on January 18th, Michaela successfully achieved her accredited high school diploma, along with a career certificate in office management. She is the first graduate of our LEAP UP pilot program.
“I gained so much from this program,” said Michaela. “I’m now able to go to college and further my education. I also gained confidence that I could do anything I set my mind to. I’m so excited to start my new journey.”
Goodwill partnered with an accredited career online high school program to bring the LEAP UP program to fruition. This program blends online course access with in-person support. Employees participating in the pilot program are paired with a staff mentor to keep them motivated and help them overcome obstacles. In addition, each student has an academic coach through the partnership who helps the student stay on pace, discuss career goals and provides academic support.
Charlotte Nelson, Chief Administrative Officers at Goodwill of the Great Plains, led the effort to bring this innovative approach of connecting employees to a life-long dream of getting a chance at achieving their high school diploma when they may have never thought it was possible.
“Both lack of education and marketable job skills are the biggest barriers to economic self-sufficiency for many in our society,” said John Hantla, CEO and President of Goodwill of the Great Plains.
“Our mission is to help people advocate for self-sufficiency through education and employment,” said Charlotte Nelson. “Helping our employees earn their high school diploma is key to helping them achieve higher earning potential throughout their lifetime so they may provide for their families. It also gives them personal fulfillment on many levels.”
If you’d like to learn more about employment opportunities, mission programs, or ways you can make a difference and help support our mission, please visit our website at www.goodwillgreatplains.org, or give us a call anytime at 712-258-4511.