WHAM - ABC
Nine students graduate from Goodwill Learning Academy
January 30, 2026
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Supporting Goodwill Learning Academy
Inspiring independence through education so adults can reclaim their future with a New York State Equivalency Diploma. At no cost to them.
Each year, more than 70 Monroe County learners rewrite their story — proving it's never too late to succeed.
Support for the Goodwill Learning Academy fuels opportunity, dignity, and lasting economic change across Greater Rochester and Monroe County.
The Goodwill Learning Academy offers a method for adult learners to earn a National High School Diploma, separately from the GED pathway. Serving more than 70 adults each year, GLA’s barrier-reducing model responds to each learner’s needs, expands access to education, and improves economic opportunities for adult learners living in the City of Rochester and Monroe County, NY.
Pathways to High School Equivalency
at the Goodwill Learning Academy
Community-Based Pathway
- 12-week program
- Adults attend the center every day from 9:30am–12:30pm
- Adults earn their diploma very quickly
- Coach is available at all times
- Adults must attend the center at least 3 times per week
- Must maintain 15 hours of online time per week
- Max of seven adults at any one time
Independent Pathway
- Self-paced within an 8-month program
- Adults attend the center once per week for two hours
- Better option for working adults
- Requires more self-direction
- Adult must maintain 5 hours per week of online work
- Max of seven adults in the program at any one time
- Evening hours and flexible scheduling accommodate working learners
Goodwill Learning Academy’s tuition-free diploma program for adults 18 years of age and older offers flexible class schedules and high school completion at any pace, plus:
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All students receive supportive onboarding & employment support
Once enrolled in the program, adult learners receive an initial barrier assessment and academic screening to identify any additional foundational learning needed to succeed. Students are assigned an academic coach and, after completing 12 hours of learning, receive a laptop for home-study access. All students receive one-on-one coaching sessions and attend monthly team meetings to track and celebrate progress. Upon graduation, academic coaches assist with post-diploma transitions to employment or further education.
To learn more about our program, view or download the Goodwill Learning Academy Overview.
GLA in the news! Check it out:
2026 Goodwill Graduation
Aqua Porter, Executive Director of Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, delivered an inspiring keynote address — bringing encouragement and meaning to this special day for graduates and their families.
Bringing the Excel Center to Rochester requires a change in law, and we are working hard to make that a reality. In 2022, legislation was introduced by Senator Cooney and Assemblyman Bronson (S3473/A1004).
Help us demonstrate to New York State the support that we have for an Excel Center by signing the petition here:
Stay connected with us.
Give us a call:
(585) 232-1111
Send us a message:
gla@goodwillfingerlakes.org
Explore support for GLA:
advancement@goodwillfingerlakes.org