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School-to-Work Program
Goodwill North Central Wisconsin’s School-to-Work program helps eligible high school students with barriers to employment gain paid work experience, develop workplace skills and prepare for life after graduation.
Through partnerships with local school districts, students receive hands-on training in a supportive work environment while building confidence, independence and career readiness. Along the way, they are supported by Goodwill NCW staff, school teams and community partners to help create a successful transition from school to employment.
Why Choose the School-to-Work Program?
Students don’t just learn about work. They experience it.
Through paid work experiences at Goodwill NCW locations, students develop transferable job skills while working alongside experienced team members in a safe and supported environment.
Students can:
- Gain real-world work experience in a community-integrated retail environment
- Build confidence, independence and workplace skills through hands-on learning
- Explore career interest, strengths and goals
- Develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Receive individualized case management support throughout the program
- Prepare for employment after graduation by building highly desired employment skills
- Earn a wage as part of their work-based learning experience
How School-to-Work Program Works
- Learn: Students are referred through participating school districts and have the opportunity to work with their school team and Goodwill staff to identify goals based on their individualized education program (IEP) and future career interests.
- Gain Experience: Throughout the program term, students participate in hands-on work experiences within a community-integrated retail environment while developing transferable workplace skills. Students earn a training wage as part of their participation in the program.
- Build Confidence: Goodwill Employment Placement Specialists and school staff provide individualized case management support, goal setting and ongoing guidance to help students build confidence, develop workplace independence and succeed in their work experience.
- Prepare for the Future: As students approach graduation, Goodwill works alongside schools and community partners to help prepare them for future employment opportunities. While employment after the program is not guaranteed, students leave with valuable experience, transferable skills and greater confidence to pursue opportunities with Goodwill or other employers in the community.
Who Is This Program For?
Students & Families
If you’re the parent or guardian of a high school student with employment goals, the School-to-Work program provides paid work experience, skill development and personalized support before graduation.
Students are typically referred through participating school districts as part of their transition planning.
School Districts
Partner with Goodwill to provide meaningful work experiences for students. Together, we help students develop workplace skills while supporting their educational and employment goals.
Interested in becoming a partner? We’d love to start the conversation.
Community Partners
Strong partnerships create stronger futures. Goodwill works alongside educators, families and community organizations to help students successfully transition into employment.
Let’s work together to create more opportunities for students across north central Wisconsin.
Serving Students Across North Central Wisconsin
Goodwill partners with school districts throughout our service area to provide hands-on work experiences inside participating Goodwill retail locations
Making an Impact
*2025 data
What People Are Saying
“They are all more self-confident in their work. They have better social communication skills and they are more flexible in being able to accept different job duties.” – Syble Hopp School Work Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is design for eligible high school students ages 16 and older with barriers to employment who are referred by a participating school districts as part of their transition planning.
Yes. Students earn wages while participating in the program and gaining valuable workplace experience.
Students gain hands-on experience at participating Goodwill retail locations where they develop transferable workplace skills in a supportive environment.
Students typically participate throughout the school year while working toward individualized employment goals.
No. Participation in the program does not guarantee employment. However, students leave with valuable work experience, transferable skills and support that prepares them for future opportunities with Goodwill or other employers in the community.
We are always interested in building partnerships with school districts that want to expand employment opportunities for their students. Contact our Mission Services team to learn more about becoming a School-to-Work partner.
Students are typically referred through participating school districts. If you're interested in learning more, contact our Mission Services team or speak with the student's school to see if the program is available.
Ready to Help a Student Take the Next Step?
If you are a school district interested in the School-to-Work program, contact us to learn more about the program and partnership opportunities.