Little Rock GTEC - Unlocking Opportunities

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is changing lives through education, training and employment.

Unlocking Opportunities Empowering Communities Through Education, Training and Employment

Each life we change has a ripple effect on the next generation. Your contribution will open doors and provide new paths for Central Arkansas citizens and their families.

Unlocking Opportunities

Statement of Need Now, more than ever, Arkansas is fully committed to enhancing education, making it a top priority, and ensuring that it is accessible to everyone. Education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and driving the economic progress of the state. With a dwindling workforce and employers facing a shortage of skilled workers, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is prepared to address these challenges by supplying a pipeline of individuals who are well-equipped to meet the demands of various industries. Our core mission is to bring about positive changes in people’s lives through education, training, and employment. This is why our retail stores exist - to help individuals flourish, empower them, and enable their success as valuable members of society. Our Goodwill Training & Education (GTEC) facility in Central Arkansas will serve as a catalyst for transforming the region and, eventually, the entire state. More than 320,000 adults in Arkansas lack a high school diploma. In Pulaski County, only 91.5% of persons aged 25 years and older are a high school graduate or higher. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Arkansas 2017-2021. At least 60% of all jobs in the U.S. require education beyond high school. People who do not finish high school face a lifetime of challenges.

• The average dropout can expect to earn an annual income of $20,241, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s $10,386 less per year and more than $500,000 less in lifetime earnings than the typical high school graduate.* • The unemployment rate for individuals without a high school diploma is nearly twice that of the general population.** • Dropouts are more likely to commit crimes, abuse drugs and alcohol, become teenage parents, live in poverty and commit suicide.** • Dropouts cost federal and state governments hundreds of billions of dollars in lost earnings, welfare and medical costs, and billions more for dropouts who end up in prison.** According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average income for professionals with a high school diploma is $712 per week, or $37,024 per year. The BLS bases their data on employees ages 25 years and older, and salaries can vary based on their industry, occupation, completion of training programs, company, region, years of experience and other factors. A high school diploma typically shows employers that a candidate has primary knowledge and skills that enable a person to perform common job duties.

My time is here! I wanted it, and I got it. The Excel Center ® is one of the best places you can get your education. I had people by my side, teaching me and breaking everything down. Shakeila Laster EXCEL CENTER GRADUATE

* Breslow, J. (2012, September 21), By the Numbers: Dropping Out of High School. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/by-the-numbers-dropping-out-of-high-school ** Johnson, C. (2011, July 24). Series Overview: The Cost of Dropping Out. https://www.npr.org/2011/07/24/138508517/series-overview-the-cost-of-dropping-out

2X unemployment rate for individuals without a high school diploma At least 60% of all jobs in the U.S. require education beyond high school

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc.

Unfortunately, a high school diploma alone is not enough to guarantee a graduate can earn enough to support themselves and their families. Further education is necessary to earn a living wage. The MIT Living Wage Calculator, Living Wage Calculator (mit.edu), is the hourly rate that an individual in a household must earn to support themselves and their family. For one adult with zero children, an individual needs to earn $15.75 per hour to be in the living wage category. For one adult with 1 child, that number goes up to $34.96 per hour. The minimum wage in Arkansas is currently $11.00 per hour. In July 2023, Goodwill opened the new GTEC in Springdale, Arkansas, and immediately followed with the remodel of the Little Rock location to resemble the new Northwest Arkansas facility. Being in the capital city, Little Rock has many communities in need of Goodwill’s services. With the top industries experiencing workforce shortages, Goodwill’s GTEC can help narrow the workforce gap.

Given Goodwill’s mission to transform lives through education, training, and employment, many employers will benefit from the current pipeline of workers being produced - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Lexicon Inc., Windstream, Bank OZK, Arkansas Heart Hospital, and Arkansas Electric Cooperative. Goodwill takes pride in partnering with the city to enhance the quality of life for Central Arkansas residents through education, training, and employment opportunities. The new GTEC plays a vital role in providing individuals with the necessary training and education to secure well-paying careers that pay a living wage. The Goodwill Career Services team already works with several employers in the area to help individuals attain employment: Arkansas Department of Corrections, ABM, Staffmark, American Guard Security Services, Employment Solutions, and Pulaski County Government. Goodwill partners with employers to provide qualified job candidates for jobs as welders, machine operators, security guards, warehouse workers, and maintenance workers. Solution To address the issue of Arkansans facing barriers to a high school diploma and skill development, it is necessary to remove the barriers that hinder the progress of so many people who need extra attention and guidance. Goodwill plays a crucial role in assisting nontraditional students by enabling them to earn their high school diploma and industry-recognized credential through wrap-around services designed to help create successful career pathways. Expanding our educational and training programs across the state, Goodwill can offer the same services in both parts of the state, including The Excel Center adult high school, The Academy trade school, reentry services and career services. These educational programs have already helped numerous individuals in Arkansas achieve their dreams of obtaining a high school diploma, earning industry-recognized credentials, and securing better job opportunities to support themselves and their families.

I found that there are ways to repackage my skills and try a new career while keeping the best of my past strengths. It’s been a fantastic experience. All the people that I work with have been great. Stan Whittlesey ACADEMY PHARMACY TECHNICIAN GRADUATE

Unlocking Opportunities

The Academy at Goodwill is state licensed as a post- secondary career training institution by the Arkansas Board of Private Career Education. The goal of each Academy program is to provide opportunities for non-traditional students. These industry credentials and certifications can advance the careers of Central Arkansas residents so they can secure employment with a guaranteed living wage. From business and administration, health care, information technology and skilled trades, we offer the training that reflects the top business sectors in Arkansas. The Academy offers 25+ Certifications in Arkansas’s top business sectors. Skilled Trades • Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) • Industrial Truck Operator • OSHA 10 & OSHA 30 • Welding • NCCER Core & Crafts Health Care • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) • Certified Health Environmental Services Technician • CPR, AED and First Aid • Mental Health First Aid • Certified Pharmacy Technician Information Technology • Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator® • Google Data Analytics • Google IT Automation with Python • Google IT Support Professional • Cybersecurity Business & Administration • Google Project Management Certificate • Google E-commerce & Digital Marketing • Google UX Design • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

The Excel Center is Arkansas’s first and only adult high school offering persons aged 19 and above a second chance to earn a state-certified high school diploma, at no cost to students. Our school provides a flexible structure and supportive relationships to help students manage work, life and family as they achieve their educational goals. Schedules are year- round with eight-week terms. The Excel Center is fully funded and operated by Goodwill Arkansas Education Initiatives, a non-profit created by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. Goodwill Industries of Arkansas currently funds a majority of the Excel Center from the sale of donated good in Goodwill retail stores. The Excel Center removes barriers and meets the needs of working and busy adults.

I wanted a career as a Pharmacy Tech, but I needed to finish high school. The Excel Center provided me with a diploma which led to pursuing my dream at The Academy. Latoya Love EXCEL CENTER GRADUATE & ACADEMY PHARMACY TECHNICIAN GRADUATE

84% of Students Go on to college or post-secondary training

Goodwill can work alongside existing workforce and training organizations in Arkansas to ensure all residents can increase their employability to fill all the available jobs in the area.

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc.

Adults without a high school diploma face a lifetime of challenges.

Adults without a high school diploma live below the federal poverty level

How much less adults without a high school diploma will earn

Tamara - The Excel Center Student 33 Years Old | Household: 2 Adults / 2 Children Education Level: No HS Diploma Before Annual Income $3,777 Public Assistance $44,942

EXCEL CENTER IMPACT

$23,969 ANNUAL INCOME

After Graduation Starting Annual Income $27,746 Employed 35+ hours/week Eligible for employer-provided healthcare Enrolled in higher education Public Assistance $7,134

ASSISTANCE

Our students are rewriting their stories. It’s never too late. More likely a child will drop out of high school if their parents did not graduate

$37,808

Medicaid ........$31,712 SNAP. .............$4,512 LIHEAP............$3,096 TANF...............$3,000 EITC................$2,622

TOTAL IMPACT $61,177

SNAP. .............$4,512 EITC................$2,622

Unlocking Opportunities

The Goodwill Academy is building Arkansas’s workforce. Students enrolled in The Academy at Goodwill programs (FY23) 1,809 Students completed a course & gained a certification or credential (FY23) 1,595 Industry-recognized credentials earned by Academy students (FY23) 929

Jamael - The Academy Student 37 Years Old | Household: 2 Adults / 2 Children Education Level: GED/HS Diploma Before Annual Income $8,910 Public Assistance $44,942

Employee Scholarships

THE ACADEMY IMPACT

$24,370 ANNUAL INCOME

After Earning Credential Starting Annual Income $33,280 Employed full-time Eligible for employer-provided healthcare Public Assistance $7,134

We transform average jobs into sustainable careers. employees who are in good standing and who have been employed for 90 days are eligible to apply. The Academy’s Employee Scholarship provides financial assistance for enrollment into one of the certification programs. Full-time Goodwill

ASSISTANCE

$37,808

Medicaid ........$31,712 SNAP. .............$4,512 LIHEAP............$3,096 TANF...............$3,000 EITC................$2,622

TOTAL IMPACT $62,178

SNAP. .............$4,512 EITC................$2,622

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc.

The Excel Center ® Entry

Small Computer Lab

Excel Center ® Classroom

Corridor

Lobby

Office

Office Office

Office

Reception

Large Computer Lab

Student Lounge/ Common Area

Excel Center ® Classroom

East Lab

Corr.

Office

Workroom

Office

Corridor

Office

Corr.

Office

Conference Room

Corr.

Teacher Break Room

Child Drop-In Center

Excel Center ® Classroom

Multi-Purpose Room

Excel Center ® Classroom

Office

Pharm. Lab

Welding Classroom

Hospital Room

Opportunity Center

Pharmacy Classroom

Healthcare Classroom

Corr.

Office

Construction Classroom

Office

Corridor

Common Area

Corr.

Office

IT Classroom

CCMA Classroom

Student Lounge/ Common Area

Healthcare Classroom

Office

The Academy Entry

Office

Recep.

7400 Scott Hamilton Drive | Little Rock, AR 72209

Unlocking Opportunities

Naming Opportunities Show your support for the Goodwill Training & Educational Center in Little Rock by purchasing a naming opportunity in the building. Your financial contribution will directly benefit our programs, which in turn will strengthen the Central Arkansas area and demonstrate your commitment to the community. Each named area will have a plaque displaying your name and will also be featured on the Donor Wall in the building’s main area. By supporting education, you are opening doors of opportunity for the people of Arkansas.

Entire GTEC Facility .......................................................................... $500,000 The Excel Center Conference Room.................................................................................$20,000 Multi-Purpose Room.............................................................................$20,000 Large Computer Lab.............................................................................$20,000 Excel Center Entry................................................................................$15,000 East Lab................................................................................................$15,000 Teacher Break Room............................................................................$10,000 Child Drop-In Center.............................................................................$10,000 Reception Area.....................................................................................$10,000 Small Computer Lab.............................................................................$10,000 Classrooms (12x)..................................................................................$10,000 Offices (16x) ............................................................................................ $5,000 Workroom. .............................................................................................. $5,000 The Academy Opportunity Center...............................................................................$20,000 Academy Entry......................................................................................$15,000 Common Area.......................................................................................$15,000 IT Classroom.........................................................................................$15,000 CCMA Classroom.................................................................................$15,000 Student Lounge/Common Area............................................................$15,000 Healthcare Classroom..........................................................................$15,000 Construction Classroom.......................................................................$15,000 Welding Classroom...............................................................................$15,000 Academy Classroom.............................................................................$15,000 Welding Lab..........................................................................................$15,000 Pharmacy Classroom............................................................................$15,000 Reception Area.....................................................................................$10,000 Hospital Room......................................................................................$10,000 Pharmacy Lab.......................................................................................$10,000 Offices (5x) .............................................................................................. $5,000

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc.

Pledge Form Letter of Intent

About Goodwill Who We Are Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an independently run member of Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill Industries of Arkansas’s governing board of directors are volunteers from the community. Ninety-five percent of our funding is derived from the sale of donated goods. The money generated from your contributions remains in Arkansas and is used to support education and job training programs, career services, and other initiatives aimed at helping individuals in Arkansas overcome barriers to employment. Our Mission Services The funds raised from our generous donors and shoppers stay in Arkansas and fund these programs that change lives through education, training and employment. You can also support Goodwill with a donation to our Foundation. Get your tools of the trade. Learn the skills and earn the certifications you need today to build your career for tomorrow.

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas GTEC Training & Education Center I/we pledge $ _________________ in support of the Goodwill GTEC Training & Education Center in Central Arkansas. Billing Options  My check is enclosed  Please invoice me on _________________________________ (date)  I prefer to spread my gift over _________________ years (up to 3) in _________________ # of payments of $_____________________________________ Recognition Donor name exactly as you want listed on plaque ________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Company Name______________________________________________________________ Contact Person__________________________________ Phone______________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State______ ZIP______________________ Email_ ______________________________________________________________________ Signature________________________________________ Date_ ______________________ Please return completed letter of intent to: Shannon Boshears, CFRE | Senior Vice President of Development Goodwill Industries of Arkansas 7400 Scott Hamilton Drive, Suite 50 | Little Rock, AR 72209 sboshears@goodwillar.org (501) 372-5100 ext. 1300 Office | (501) 258-4907 Cell www.goodwillar.org

The path to your new career. Start building your future. Our free career services have helped thousands of Arkansans find jobs. Your second chance starts here. Reentering the workforce after a justice-involved situation can be challenging. We can help. It’s never too late. Earn your high school diploma at Arkansas’s first high school for adults 19 years and older.

Give to Goodwill. Support our mission with gifts of cash, stock, insurance, retirement or leaving us in your will. Visit GoodwillAR.org/Services to learn more about our services and programs.

Goodwill of Arkansas Foundation is designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax-exempt as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and, as such, contributions to Goodwill of Arkansas Foundation are tax-deductible. EIN# 71-0521927

Unlocking Opportunities

Changing Lives Through Education, Training and Employment.

GoodwillAR.org 7400 Scott Hamilton Drive Little Rock, AR 72209

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12

www.goodwillar.org

Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator