Feb 1, 2026
Rochester, N.Y. (January 30, 2026) - Nine adult graduates of the Goodwill Learning Academy received their NYS high school equivalency diplomas during a ceremony and reception at the Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ headquarters. Friends and family gathered to celebrate the life-changing milestone, marking the academy’s second graduation and a tripling of its 2025 inaugural class.
The academy offers an alternative, flexible path to a high school equivalency diploma by meeting adult learners where they are and helping remove barriers to education. Through the National External Diploma Program, or NEDP, students receive personalized guidance, tutoring, and coaching from GLA staff. The program is free for participants and funded by Goodwill of the Finger Lakes and its supporters.
Aqua Porter, executive director of the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing themes of resilience and quiet progress.
Jennifer Lake, president and CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, also addressed the graduates, saying, “You just have to have the right program, the right people there to cheer you on, and that’s what Goodwill Learning Academy is all about.”
To close the ceremony, two graduates volunteered to deliver impromptu speeches, sharing inspiring remarks, outlining their future plans, and reflecting on the experiences that brought them to this moment.
The graduates now move into new opportunities, with GLA serving as an important step toward their goals — attending college, owning a business, or following other paths forward. No matter what journey the graduates pursue next, all nine are continuing with confidence, momentum, and a credential that is sure to open doors.