Helen McGovern-Pilant
Co-Chair
C.W. Herchold
Co-Chair
Holly Bamford Hun
Bev Losey
Linda Kaye Briggs
Consultant
We must prepare people for success in a tech-powered world
Technology is now pervasive in the workplace and 92% of today’s jobs require digital skills. However, one-third of workers lack the tech skills they need to enter the workforce and thrive. The lack of access to technology and technology skills is widening the gap between poverty and prosperity - especially for people of color, low-income families, people with disabilities, and other marginalized populations.
Goodwill is committed to closing this gap, which is why we launched the Power Up Centennial Campaign to empower 50,000 people over the next decade with the digital skills they need to succeed.
*National Skills Coalition, 2023 Research.
Together We Can Power Up Our Community
Together We Can Power Up Our Community
Everyone should have access to the skills and knowledge they need to get jobs, build careers, and provide for their families. That’s why we’re committed to closing the digital skills gap by creating opportunities for the most vulnerable members of our community with a robust set of free technology-based skills training, education, job training and career services. The Power Up Goodwill Centennial Campaign seeks to raise $5 million over the next five years to fund this vital work.
Through steadfast community support, Goodwill has helped people transform their lives through the power of work for more than 100 years. As we cross the threshold to our next century of service, will you help us prepare people to build their successful futures? Will you help us provide people with the digital skills they need to succeed in a tech-powered world? We are deeply grateful for the community support that enables us to serve people with the greatest need.
Everyone should have access to the skills and knowledge they need to get jobs, build careers, and provide for their families. That’s why we’re committed to closing the digital skills gap by creating opportunities for the most vulnerable members of our community with a robust set of free technology-based skills training, education, job training and career services. The Power Up Goodwill Centennial Campaign seeks to raise $5 million over the next five years to fund this vital work.
Through steadfast community support, Goodwill has helped people transform their lives through the power of work for more than 100 years. As we cross the threshold to our next century of service, will you help us prepare people to build their successful futures? Will you help us provide people with the digital skills they need to succeed in a tech-powered world? We are deeply grateful for the community support that enables us to serve people with the greatest need.
Kristy's Story
Raising two children and a newborn by herself, Kristy needed to find a way to provide for her family. She was burned out from shift work in the hospitality industry, and faced a number of barriers to getting a better job, including the lack of basic computer skills. “I knew how to use a phone, but computers were not my thing.”
Steven's Story
Steven is a high school graduate living in Longview, Washington. At age 18, he found himself the sole provider for his mother, sister, and himself. Growing up around drug and alcohol abuse, Steven wanted a better future, but his circumstances required him to work three jobs and fill every minute he could with hard work just to pay the bills. He felt stuck.
"I needed structure in my life, but didn't know how to get there." Steven participated in the pilot phase of Goodwill’s Introduction to Industry program and acquired certifications for OSHA 30, First Aid, and forklift operations. Along the way, he built critical digital skills, such as how to use the Microsoft Office Suite.
Through Goodwill, Steven was placed at an internship with Northwest Motor Service, a Longview company that services electric engines and motors across the country. His internship allowed him to showcase his skills and talent—so much so that the company offered him a full-time job as an inside salesperson.
“Goodwill shows you where to start on a path and helps you when you need it along the way,” he says.
Steven
Steven
Youth Internship Graduate
Youth Internship Graduate
now Electrical Technician
now Electrical Technician
Help Us Power Up Our Community
Mario
Mario
Military and Veterans Services
Program Participant
Military and Veterans Services
Program Participant
CAMPAIGN CABINET
HONORARY ADVISORS
Rick Ellingson
Clara Ladd
Toby Murray
Stacey Ogle
Lyle Quasim
Herb Simon
Willie Stewart
Larry Treleven