Education Services

Yes, Goodwill’s programs are available to everyone who needs assistance including individuals with obstacles to employment, with physical or intellectual disabilities, with limited education or language barriers; with a criminal background; and dependent on public assistance.

While some of our programs have eligibility requirements, all of our programs and services are available to the general public and almost all are provided free-of-charge. Some certification programs have costs associated with the testing process but funding for that may be available.

The first step is to complete the online form (using either the “Request Information” or “Enroll Now” links) and provide your basic information. Once your online form has been submitted, our staff will reach out to you to complete the intake process.

If you are interested in moving forward but aren’t sure about the “next steps”, our Career Navigators can provide a career assessment and help you establish a learning plan. Once enrolled, they also will work with you individually to help you reach your employment goals.

Opportunity Centers are educational facilities inside certain retail stores where you can participate in our programs and services, such as attending career training, literacy/reading workshops, GED preparation classes, and more! To find an Opportunity Center, visit here.

Yes, we regularly assist our clients in getting the education/training tools they need and helping them find jobs in their area of interest. To accomplish this, Goodwill Gulf Coast has a network of partners and strong relationships with businesses and other organizations in the community.

Training approaches vary depending on the type of program. There are in-person, hands-on, virtual, and blended class options based on the particular training needs. Virtual options are completed on web-based learning management systems and are accessible 24/7.

Our Career Pathways job training programs are short term. Our shortest program is for forklift certification, which can be completed in a week. Our longest programs are designed to be completed in 6 months with at least 10 hours per week dedicated to training.

Yes, we do. The CNA Program is currently offered to Florida residents. For more information on the Certified Nursing Program or for the Forklift Certification Program, visit the Career Pathway programs page.

Yes, we do. Goodwill Gulf Coast provides English language classes in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. You can find information here or contact us at (251) 300-6274.

We do not provide transportation but can assist you with accessing transportation resources that may help in your specific situation. Also, we often can address transportation challenges by meeting our program participants at a location that is closer to them.

In terms of fees, there is no cost for participants. Those enrolled can take a GED Ready practice test for free based on our partnership with the Alabama Community College System. Then, after practice modules are passed, we will pay the fee associated with taking the Official GED Test.

Completion time varies. Studying 2-3 times a week can help you become GED ready and more likely to pass the test in just a few months, which depends on the last grade you completed and how recently you attended school. In most cases, the more you attend classes and study, the quicker you learn the information needed to pass all of the GED test subjects.

Goodwill Gulf Coast offers morning, afternoon, and evening classes to accommodate varying work schedules. If none of our class options fit into your current work schedule, alternative attendance arrangements can be discussed, including virtual learning platforms. Please note that we still offer the GED program at the Azalea and Schillinger Opportunity Center locations.

Visit here to provide some basic information that will help us get your enrollment process underway. Please fill out the form and a Goodwill Gulf Coast team member will be touch soon.

Requirements for GED enrollment and Official GED Test administration:
― Resident of Alabama and exited an Alabama public school.
― Notarized Certificate of Exemption issued by his/her local superintendent.
― Notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian giving permission to enroll.
― Must have required TABE test scores or GED Practice Test scores to be allowed to
take the Official GED Test
― Valid Alabama ID/Driver’s License/Permit to take the Official GED Test

Requirements for GED enrollment and Official GED Test administration:
― Resident of Alabama and exited an Alabama public school.
― Notarized Student Exit Interview form from the school system.
OR
― Notarized letter from a parent/legal guardian giving permission to enroll.
― Valid Alabama ID/Driver’s License/Permit to take the Official GED Test

You can access information on our Adult Education programs to make skills improvements as needed for military, employment, postsecondary enrollment, or your own self-improvement here.