Every year, during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations worldwide celebrate Goodwill Week. This year in Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers made it official, proclaiming May 3-9, 2026 as Goodwill Week. Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is one of over 150 different Goodwill agencies and our local mission is “Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment.” A prime example of that endeavor is the Career EXCELerate program which saw its latest cohort receive their educational certificates on May 4.

Career EXCELerate is a comprehensive career-training program that includes wrap-around support, offered at no cost to individuals who want to launch a lasting career.  Students in the Spring 2026 cohort completed certificates in health care, skilled trades and retail, and will join the more than 960 individuals (154% over goal as of April 2026) that have been served by the program since 2022.  Those who have completed the program and attained employment are also benefiting from improved financial stability, as they have seen an average increase of approximately $11.55 in wages from intake to their current job. 

Career EXCELerate Wisconsin was launched in the summer of 2022, thanks to a Workforce Innovation Grant from the State of Wisconsin that concludes in June of 2026.  Despite the grant ending, the program will live on, as Goodwill NCW has announced that it will fund the program moving forward, collaborating with Fox Valley Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College and other education partners, expanding access in all of the counties it serves by offering in-person, online and hybrid options at no cost to the participant.

For job seekers: Those interested in earning a certificate through Career EXCELerate can complete the online application form at CareerEXCELerateWI.org.

For local employers: Employers can partner with Career EXCELerate to recruit qualified candidates. Contact careerexceleratewi@goodwillncw.org to learn more.

For referrals: Prospective students can be referred by a local agency, nonprofit, employer or personal contact.