Supported by a WI Workforce Innovation Grant, students, state dignitaries, Presidents and CEOs gather for ceremony

Fox Valley, WI—On May 16, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin will celebrate more than 65 students who earned educational certificates through the collaborative program operated in partnership with Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW), Fox Valley Technical College and Rawhide Youth Services. The program began in summer 2022 with support from a Workforce Innovation Grant from the state of Wisconsin.

“I was glad to create the Workforce Innovation Grant to help communities across our state respond to and address regional workforce needs, and this program is exemplary of the amazing work that can be accomplished through local partnerships and collaboration,” said Gov. Evers. “From welding and plumbing to early childhood aides and nursing assistants, this program is doing incredible work to set students up for successful, sustainable careers across the Fox Valley. I’m proud that my administration could play a role in this important work and really excited to see this program’s results.”

On March 7, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin celebrated reaching a significant milestone of 200 participants employed. An initial goal of the program was to reach 460 individuals served through the life of the grant. As of April 2025, that goal has been surpassed by 173 individuals (633 overall). In addition, the goal of participants securing a one-year employment retention rate of at least 55% in the field or sector of their studies has been exceeded by 23 percent (78% overall). Due to this success, the grant has been extended one year, until June 2026. One key update is that the program will be open to all unemployed or underemployed individuals.

“Career EXCELerate Wisconsin is doing an outstanding job of helping workers succeed in some of our state’s most in-demand fields,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the state’s lead economic development organization. “I want to congratulate all the partners – and especially the participants – on this amazing milestone for the program.”

Career EXCELerate is a comprehensive career-training program offered at no cost to individuals who want to launch a lasting career but are struggling and would benefit from individualized support to advance in their profession, enter a career or return to the workforce. The main purpose of the program is twofold: To support individuals as they seek in-demand careers in specific areas of study and create a pipeline of job seekers who have the credentials to fill vital job roles in Wisconsin. The program focuses on providing tracks that have future career development options.

“Career EXCELerate is creating life-changing opportunities for people to pursue in-demand careers,” Chris Hess, President and CEO at Goodwill NCW said. “We are grateful for the support from the state to continue to offer this innovative approach that has an incredible impact in the lives of those it serves and our communities through the power of work.”

The program is enrolling students for career educational certificate programs. Educational tracks offered by Career EXCELerate include:

• Certified Nursing Assistant, (online and in classroom)
• Patient Care Tech
• Manufacturing Technician
• Welding Fundamentals
• Professional Truck Driving – Class A
• Retail Essentials
• Certified Direct Care Professional (online in partnership with WisCaregiver Careers)

The media is invited to attend the ceremony. Goodwill NCW President and CEO Chris Hess and State Representatives will be available for comment.

Career EXCELerate completion ceremony 

For job seekers: Those interested in earning a certificate through Career EXCELerate are invited to complete the online application form at CareerEXCELerateWI.org.

For local employers: Employers can partner with Career EXCELerate to recruit qualified candidates. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

For referrals: Prospective students can be referred by a local agency, nonprofit, employer or personal contact.