By Mitch Coppes, Federal Government Affairs Manager, Goodwill Industries International This week is National Digital Inclusion Week 2025, an annual event to spotlight the importance of digital equity and to advance essential digital skills, digital literacy, and affordable internet access for those who need it most. As the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence continues to
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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.
After months of uncertainty regarding the continuation of federal agency funding into the new fiscal year, the anticipated government shutdown has officially begun. On Tuesday, the Senate rejected both a House-passed Continuing Resolution (CR) that would have kept the government operational through November 21, and an alternative proposal from Senate Democrats. As a result, the government was forced to shut down when funding for the current fiscal year expired at midnight.
By Felicia Czochanski Bisaro Are you a good witch or a bad witch? I know I’m a Goodwill® witch, every time. This Halloween comes just ahead of Wicked: For Good’s release, meaning all things Wicked-themed are going to be pop-u-lar! Whether you’re team Elphaba or team Galinda, there is so much costume inspiration within the
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As part two of our continuing blog series analyzing the findings of the Goodwill Industries International (GII) and McKinsey 2024 American Opportunity Survey results, this piece will focus on the numerous challenges faced by American youth when it comes to employment. Among other things, this article will look at the skills and experience gap of today’s young job seekers, consider the mental health struggles impacting individuals and explore other financial or environmental factors that contribute to keeping younger generations out of the job market and labor force entirely.
This week, the House Appropriations Committee voted to advance its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The annual spending measure proposes funding levels for many of the federal workforce development programs that help support the training and employment services offered by local Goodwill® organizations.
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September marks National Workforce Development Month and as the largest nonprofit workforce development agency in North America, we have a lot of reasons to celebrate. We see firsthand the impact that workforce development professionals have on the lives of people looking to find work or advance their careers. Take for instance, Kelly who came to Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee (Nashville) a few years ago. She had just been laid off and found herself in the constant cycle of applying to jobs without hearing back. She had already applied to more than 200 jobs by the time she came to Goodwill® for support.
Congress has returned to DC after a lengthy summer break. Goodwill® organizations from around the country hosted members of their Congressional delegations and key committee staff, allowing them to see the Goodwill mission in action. Those conversations with employees and program participants will inform decisions lawmakers have to make in the weeks and months ahead.
Each year, National Read a Book Day kicks off the quieting down of summer into fall, a change of routine and a move into all things cozy. If you’re like me, hanging onto the last threads of summer vacation and not quite ready to dive into all things pumpkin spice, this bookish holiday on September 6th is a great way to ease into the transition of the seasons, take a break from the never-ending screen time and crack open a book.
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This post will cover the status of youth unemployment in 2025. Included is information pertaining to the results of youth unemployment and the effect of said joblessness on society. We will also take a look at some of the prevailing opinions held by this population regarding the future. If you are interested in learning more about the unique characteristics of this group and the challenges relating to this topic, please continue reading.
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The Departments of Labor, Education and Commerce released America's Talent Strategy: Building the Workforce for the Golden Age, as instructed by President Trump’s Executive Order, Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trades Jobs of the Future.
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August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and uplift Black entrepreneurs and changemakers. For Danrae, this month celebrates a turning point in his journey from uncertainty to purpose. Danrae came to Goodwill Kentucky (Louisville) through a court referral, looking for a fresh start. He had a vision to find a job, start a business and make his mom proud. Goodwill® supported him with job readiness training, basic digital skills and an internship to help him build confidence and experience.
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