CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2026 / In 2023, Goodwill Industries of Michiana launched an ambitious effort to create pathways to living-wage careers for residents across La Porte, Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. With support from a three-year, $175,000 KeyBank Foundation grant, The Academy at the Goodwill Bendix Campus launched technical training courses designed to connect job seekers with in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Now that the grant period has concluded, the results show the power of investing in workforce development, employer partnerships and career-focused education.
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Proof in Numbers
The Academy was created to help bridge the gap between employers searching for qualified talent and individuals seeking skills needed to secure stable employment. Since receiving grant dollars, Goodwill has strengthened that mission through industry-recognized training programs and direct connections to employment opportunities.
From February 2023 through February 2026, Goodwill's automative program achieved significant outcomes:
185 participants enrolled
121 participants completed automotive classes
203 industry-recognized credentials were earned
61 graduates received jobs
Job placement growth has been one of the most drastic metric improvements seen over the life of the grant:
9 automotive graduates secured jobs in 2023
9 automotive graduates secured jobs in 2024
43 graduates gained jobs between February 2025 and February 2026
This growth reflects the evolution of The Academy's workforce development model and highlights the increasing effectiveness of its employer engagement and career placement efforts.
Pathways Beyond the Skills
The sharp rise in employment was driven by the expansion of local employer partnerships and the addition of a dedicated Career Coach who works directly with graduates of Goodwill's Career and Technical Education programs. The Career Coach helps participants navigate the transition from training to employment by providing individualized job search support and industry connections.
In 2025, Goodwill also introduced "Foundational Fridays," a weekly professional development initiative embedded within the automotive program. The sessions focus on workplace readiness skills that employers consistently identify as critical to long-term success.
Participants received guidance on:
Resume development
Interview preparation
Professional communication
Workplace relationships and dynamics
Job search strategies
By combining technical training with career readiness support, The Academy is helping participants not only secure employment - but also build the confidence and skills needed to retain and advance in their careers.
"We're incredibly proud of the partnership with Goodwill and the transformative work they're doing to meet the needs of the community and job market," said Yvonne Harrington, Corporate Responsibility Officer. "The results speak volumes to the work of both the clients and staff at Goodwill. We look forward to even more success in the years ahead."
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SOURCE: KeyBank
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:
https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/three-years-later-keybank-foundation-grant-helps-drive-workforce-suc-1210355
