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During Digital Inclusion Week (October 6-10, 2025), we’re celebrating stories like Jalen’s — stories that show how access to digital tools, training and career support can open doors to opportunity.
Jalen started working at a Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (Little Rock) store in 2022. While he was an employee, he connected with his career navigator and began building a plan for his future. He enrolled in several Goodwill Academy courses, earning certificates that strengthened his résumé and expanded his skill set. Those included his CPR/First Aid certification and the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator® certificate.
The experience he gained on the job, combined with the training and certifications he earned, helped him take the next step. In 2024, Jalen accepted a full-time position at Penske Transportation as a clamp truck driver — nearly doubling his previous income and moving closer to a living wage.
This new role is more than a job. It’s a stepping stone toward his long-term goal. Jalen is currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program at the University of Central Arkansas, working toward a degree in Child Psychology. His new income will help him pay for school and continue building a future he’s proud of.
Jalen shared, “I am very thankful for the training and certifications that I gained while working at Goodwill®.”
At Goodwill, we believe our role as an employer is to help people grow — even if that means supporting them as they move on to new opportunities. Jalen’s story is a reflection of that commitment and a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in people and digital inclusion.
Connect with your local Goodwill career center if you’re interested in finding a job or advancing your career.
