Graduation Season: A Time to Celebrate Opportunity, Achievement, and Community Impact

By Laura Walling, Vice President of Government Affairs, Goodwill Industries International, Inc.

Graduation season is always a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity—and across the Goodwill^® network, we see those stories unfold every day.

As caps fly and families gather to celebrate milestones big and small, we are proud to recognize the transformative impact of education pathways like The Excel Center, where adult learners are reclaiming their journeys and earning high school diplomas—often while balancing work, parenting, and life’s many demands. Each graduate represents perseverance, resilience, and a renewed sense of possibility. For Goodwill advocates, these moments are a clear reflection of why our mission matters.

Graduation season feels especially meaningful this year on a personal level. My youngest niece graduated from preschool, taking her very first step on a lifelong learning journey. My eldest nephew graduated from high school, marking the transition into adulthood and new opportunities ahead. Notably his class of 360 students collectively earned $20 million in scholarships, includes 5 students joining the armed services, and numerous others entering community colleges, universities, trade schools, and the workforce. These moments—whether preschool or high school—remind us that education is not a single milestone, but a continuum. At Goodwill, we are privileged to support students all along that path.

For Goodwill, graduation season isn’t confined to traditional classrooms. At The Excel Center, students of all ages are achieving a milestone many once thought was out of reach: earning a high school diploma.

The impact is profound:

• Graduates increase their earning potential and career pathways
• Families experience generational change as parents model persistence for their children
• Communities benefit from a more skilled and empowered workforce

Every Excel Center graduation ceremony is a testament to second chances—and to the role Goodwill plays in removing barriers and opening doors.

For those of us working in advocacy, graduation season offers a powerful narrative to share with policymakers and partners:

• Education programs work when they are accessible, flexible, and aligned with workforce needs
• Investments in adult education and workforce development pay off—for individuals, employers, and local economies
• Non-traditional pathways are essential components of a modern education system

At Goodwill, we will continue to champion policies and programs that expand access to education and opportunity for all—because every graduate represents not just a personal achievement, but a stronger, more resilient community.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026—and to the families, educators, and advocates who made these successes possible.