Because Goodwill has long been known for its training programs and the Goodwill Excel Center High School, the awarding of certificates and diplomas has become a standard and meaningful recognition of its students' commitment to improving their futures. However, until recently, earning those certifications was generally reserved for individuals not employed by Goodwill. The RISE Academy (TRAc) has changed all that. 

Launched in 2021, TRAc was one of the primary outcomes of a strategic organizational evolution.  Through TRAc, Goodwill of Greater Washington wanted to begin emphasizing the professional development and career advancement of its own team members. Goodwill wanted to achieve growth from within.  

TRAc gives Goodwill team members a clear professional trajectory by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop a career ladder either inside or outside of the organization. 

While this program started in Goodwill's donated goods and retail operations, it has now expanded to the contract's team with more growth ahead.

On Tuesday, January 30th, Goodwill held a reception for its more than 130 TRAc graduates to date - each receiving the program certification they earned and a small financial award. Several speakers celebrated the success of each graduate, including Catherine Meloy, President & CEO of Goodwill of Greater Washington. 

Catherine spoke about how proud she was of each of the TRAc graduates and the impact she hoped the program would have on their careers.

One graduate of the program, Angel Marrow, said, "I believe that anyone who enters the TRAc program can succeed at anything they want to do at Goodwill."  Jani Woodard, an Assistant Manager at Goodwill's Dale City, VA, location, shared that the program helped her better understand how to motivate her team members and coordinate with her manager to improve team performance. 

Matthew Washington, a Contracts Team Supervisor, shared what many people who come to Goodwill initially feel. "I was one that people looked down on.  I didn't have the confidence in myself to get things completed", he said. "But starting off with Goodwill, I began to believe I had what it takes to be a leader."

Goodwill believes that with knowledge comes motivation.  With motivation comes success.  Goodwill hopes that TRAc will offer both while building a new generation of leaders at Goodwill of Greater Washington.