Reach Higher and Dream Bigger With Your High School Equivalency (HSE or GED)
Goodwill GoodGRADS
Our GoodGRADS program provides education services and case management for adults interested in attaining their High School Equivalency (HSE). Students at all levels are eligible. We help prepare students with a program that provides:
- Classroom learning
- One-on-one attention
- Small class sizes
- Case management and supportive services
- Scholarships when you are ready for testing.
Goodwill’s GoodGRADS programs are currently held in Rockford, McHenry, Belvidere, and Ottawa.
Rockford classes are currently full and not accepting new registrations. We are still taking registrations for our Belvidere, Ottawa, and McHenry GoodGRADS Program. If you are interested in joining the GoodGRADS Program in Ottawa, McHenry or Belvidere, please click on the registration link below.
Goodwill Scholarships
By asking Goodwill shoppers if they’d like to round up their purchases by just a few cents at the register, we’re able to raise thousands of dollars each year to provide scholarships and services for individuals in all of our communities.
Goodwill funds scholarships for individuals with disabilities at 7 local community colleges, including
- Blackhawk Technical College, Beloit, WI
- Highland Community College, Freeport, IL
- Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, IL
- Kishwaukee College, DeKalb, IL
- McHenry Community College, Crystal Lake, IL
- Rock Valley College, Rockford, IL
- Sauk Valley College, Dixon, IL
With your help, we’re changing lives one nickel at a time.
Goodwill Excel Center
Awarding industry-recognized certifications and high school diplomas to adult learners
Goodwill’s tuition-free Excel Center high school will provide adults with extensive support services including:
- Flexible class schedules
- On-site childcare
- Transportation assistance
- Industry-recognized certifications and high school diplomas
- Connections to community resources
- Career counselors
- Help transitioning into college or meaningful careers
Class registration is set to begin Spring 2025.
For more information, visit www.excelcenternil.org.