Menasha, WI — Throughout September, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is celebrating the 20^th year of recognizing National Workforce Development Month. This month highlights the hard work and significant impact made by workforce professionals in advancing national and local economies.  

“From skills training and job placement to ongoing support services, Goodwill NCW offers a comprehensive range of employment solutions designed to help individuals build pathways to sustained employment and improved financial stability,” said Chris Hess, President and CEO of Goodwill NCW. “The power of work extends beyond the individual—it strengthens families, uplifts communities, and fuels local economies. When people work, communities thrive.” 

One of Goodwill NCW’s programs that prepares participants for entering the workforce is called School-to-Work. With the school year just starting, Goodwill NCW stores are getting ready to welcome high school students from more than 40 schools across Goodwill NCW’s service area to build job skills.  

High school is a time to prepare for next steps in life and begin to gain financial independence by entering the workforce. For high school students with barriers, it can be extra challenging to navigate these next steps; that’s where Goodwill NCW’s School-to-Work program bridges the gap between the classroom and working in the community. 

For more than 15 years, the Ashwaubenon Goodwill Store has partnered with Syble Hopp school in De Pere to provide work experience through Goodwill NCW’s School-to-Work program in a safe and supportive environment. Syble Hopp is a public school that meets the needs of children with disabilities and is dedicated to nurturing the unique potential of their students by ensuring that everyone has access to inclusive and supportive environments and emerges as confident, capable and connected members of the community. Each week, groups of students from the school spend time working in Goodwill NCW’s retail store and building skills to make progress towards their individual goals. 

Ashwaubenon Store Team Leader Rosa McMorrow said, “The ultimate goal for the students is to build skills so that they can get employment with either Goodwill or outside in our community.” 

At a time when many employers are looking for qualified workers, Goodwill NCW is committed to doing its part in responding to the gap in the workforce and supporting those who have a goal of learning job skills. 81% of job seekers who secured employment through Goodwill NCW services in 2024 were from underserved populations, such as people with refugee status, people without housing, people who are justice-involved and people with a disability. 

To learn more about Goodwill NCW programs, visit goodwillncw.org.