More than 1,000 people have found a path to training, credentials and career opportunities through Career EXCELerate, a partnership between Goodwill North Central Wisconsin, Fox Valley Technical College and Rawhide Youth Services. Now, that work is being recognized with a statewide award.
Goodwill North Central Wisconsin recently received the Wisconsin Technical College System Board’s Futuremaker Partner Award during a ceremony at Fox Valley Technical College. The award recognizes employers and community organizations that work alongside Wisconsin’s technical colleges to advance education, workforce development and economic prosperity.
The organizations launched Career EXCELerate in 2022 through a Workforce Innovation Grant from the State of Wisconsin. The program provides tuition-free training, career coaching and support services to help participants prepare for careers in high-demand fields.
Since its launch, Career EXCELerate has served more than 1,000 individuals and helped more than 480 participants earn workforce credentials. Those who completed the program have increased their earnings by an average of more than $11 per hour.
“Career EXCELerate demonstrates what is possible when organizations come together around a common purpose,” says Dr. Chris Matheny, president of Fox Valley Technical College. “Our partnership with Goodwill NCW has opened doors for individuals who may not have otherwise seen a pathway to college, training or employment. Together, we are helping people gain skills, preparing them for the workforce and helping solve a critical workforce need for employers throughout our region.”
“It is an honor to recognize organizations that help change the trajectory of people’s lives,” says Lindsay Blumer, interim president of the WTCS Board. “Goodwill North Central Wisconsin’s partnership with Fox Valley Technical College demonstrates what is possible when mission-driven organizations work together to create pathways to education, employment and economic mobility. Their commitment to removing barriers and empowering individuals makes them a truly deserving Futuremaker Partner Award recipient.”
For Anna Wilcox, Chief Administrative Officer of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin, the award reflects the impact the organizations have achieved together.
“Goodwill NCW is deeply honored to receive the Futuremaker Partner Award,” says Anna. “Our partnership with Fox Valley Technical College through Career EXCELerate has helped hundreds of individuals build skills that are life changing. These skills translate to about $23,000 more in annual wages for those working full-time. This award reflects what we have accomplished together, and it reinforces our shared commitment to the progress still ahead as we continue to invest in people.”
The partnership continues to grow. Earlier this year, Fox Valley Technical College and Goodwill North Central Wisconsin entered a new three-year agreement that will provide training opportunities in Nursing Assistant, Welding Fundamentals and Professional Truck Driving, extending their shared commitment to workforce development across the region.
