Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. will host an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for The Academy on Friday, May 26th at 10:30 a.m., at the Goodwill Bendix Campus, 2721 Kenwood Avenue in South Bend. Event attendees include Indiana Congressman Rudy Yakym, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. President and CEO Debie Coble, and local dignitaries.
The Academy serves St. Joseph, Elkhart and LaPorte counties, providing skilled trades training and nationally recognized certifications in automotive, construction, welding, CNC (computer numerical control) manufacturing, and offers classes in digital skills, customer service, and sales training - at no cost to students.
“We are so excited that classes have begun at The Academy, and students are now going into skilled trade positions where they can expect to make a good living. Our goal is to provide training opportunities for in-demand skilled trade jobs in our community,” said Debie Coble, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.
The first four graduates in construction were all employed following graduation. “Our construction students have received mentorship and valuable, hands-on work experience with our partner, Habitat for Humanity,” noted Tony Szabo, skilled trades manager for Goodwill’s Academy.
Two significant partnerships have expanded the Academy’s offerings: the Leep Family Foundation, which sponsored the Leep Automotive Training Center, and the Judd Leighton Foundation, which helped establish the Leighton Leadership Center.
To take a tour or learn more about The Academy, visit www.Goodwill-NI.org or email theacademy@goodwill-ni.org.
About Goodwill Industries of Michiana
Goodwill Industries of Michiana strengthens communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement. The organization serves 16 Indiana counties and operates over 24 retail locations, with charter schools for adults, a maternal-child health program, a childcare center, and workforce development programs, such as veteran’s services and group violence intervention. For more information about Goodwill, visit www.Goodwill-NI.org.
Goodwill is currently participating in a matching grant challenge with the St. Joseph Community Foundation, with a goal of reaching $100,000. If you would like to help reach the goal, please visit www.Goodwill-NI.org/donate.
