Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois’ GoodGRADS Program held a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 23rd for seven deserving students. The GoodGRADS program began offering GED level classes in January 2017. This is the first graduating class of the program. The students ranged in age from 18 years to 58 years.
Students not only obtained their GED, but also utilized the help of Goodwill program staff to overcome various barriers holding them back such as testing fees and lack of transportation.
“We are extremely proud of our students,” stated Goodwill GoodGRADS Program Manager, Cira Bennett. “Not just for their academic success, but because they moved beyond any barriers to reach their goal. One of the biggest takeaways from this monumental occasion is now that they have experienced this accomplishment, they are ready to move mountains.”
Student family and friends and Goodwill staff attended the ceremony as well as Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, who gave the keynote address.
The seven GoodGRADS students, now that they have obtained their GED, all have further plans to continue their education.
For more information about Goodwill’s GoodGRADS Program, please call (815) 965-3795 or visit www.goodwillni.org.