Goodwill and NexStep Alliance Open Registration for GED and English Learning in Wichita
Wichita, Kansas | October 1, 2026
By Claudia Amaro | Planeta Venus
To help the community get a high school equivalency and improve their job opportunities, Goodwill Industries, together with its NexStep Alliance educational center and in collaboration with WSU Tech, will hold an intensive in-person registration day from October 5 to 8, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at its main headquarters, located at 3351 N. Webb Road. Youth and adults can register to obtain their high school equivalency certificate (GED), even in a fully Spanish-language program, learn English, or train in a technical trade. These options help overcome language and economic barriers, opening the door to better jobs and greater financial independence in the region.
To better understand this initiative, you first need to know what Goodwill stands for. While many think of thrift stores, these stores fund a much larger social cause. According to Sean Jones, Goodwill's Director of Marketing and Communications, ninety cents of every dollar earned in stores supports educational programs, services for people with developmental disabilities, and re-employment projects in Kansas.
Why a High School Diploma Could Change Lives
The importance of these educational services is reflected in recent figures from the local school system. For the Class of 2025, Kansas recorded a record high school graduation rate of 90.5%. However, Wichita Public Schools (USD 259) scored 85.1%, falling 5.4 points below the state average. Looking closer, the gaps are even larger: young Latino males in Wichita had a graduation rate of 80.3%, and students with limited English proficiency reached 84.7% locally and only 83.6% statewide. In addition, vulnerable groups, such as youth in foster care (75.0%) or homeless youth (73.0%), face major challenges finishing high school on time.
These figures represent hundreds of people in the community who, without a high school diploma, have fewer employment opportunities and lower wages, which affects their families' well-being. In this context, the NexStep Alliance is a key support for adult education.
Tailor-made education without taking anything for granted
NexStep Alliance is not a traditional high school with strict schedules or long courses. It is an adult training center designed to accommodate daily responsibilities, such as work and family. To give everyone opportunities, the center offers several programs:
GED in Spanish: This program was created to respond to the needs of the Spanish-speaking community. It allows students to prepare for and take all high school equivalency exams in their own language. Classes are intensive, 7 weeks long, and are offered Monday through Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Evergreen Community Center.
English as a Second Language (ESL): This program is available to all levels and is offered Tuesday through Thursday, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sean Jones says that many students take the GED in Spanish along with evening ESL classes: "They get what they need in the language they are familiar with, while learning the language that is most widely spoken in the region, and they leave the program even more prepared for the job market."
Tuition-Free College Program: Thanks to the state's Accelerating Opportunity Kansas initiative and collaboration with WSU Tech, eligible students can enroll in technical careers or earn tuition-free college credit while preparing for the GED test.
Reentry Program: This program supports people leaving the criminal justice system by offering high school education, English classes, and technical certifications to help them overcome stigma and barriers to work. As Jones says, “That's really what it all boils down to with Goodwill is we just want people to work and create a life that's good for them and making sure they're set up for success later in life.”
Human accompaniment: "Work your own magic"
These programs succeed because of the personalized support of the success counselors. Graciela Peters, advisor at NexStep Alliance, explains that each student progresses at their own pace: "The program is about the person... It's something personal and, above all, the goal you have. If your goal is to have a better job or study something else, you have more motivation to finish what you start."
Peters says that her work goes beyond academics; she also emotionally supports students so that they don't give up when they feel tired or doubt: "Many tell me, 'This is very difficult, my work is hard, I'm tired, I don't know if it's worth it.' That's when I tell them we all go through difficult things, but if you don't give up, it's all worth it. They're going to work their own magic if they don't give up." As a person who immigrated and overcame the challenge of adapting to a new country, Peters uses her experience to motivate the community.
Starting or resuming school brings peace of mind and hope for the future to Wichita families.
You do not need prior experience or advanced knowledge to take the first step. The enrollment process is guided, and the staff is with you every step of the way: "There's a sense of community and home; our staff will look for ways to make it work for you," Jones concludes.
Key Enrollment and Contact Details:
📍 Registration location: Goodwill/NexStep Alliance Headquarters, 3351 N. Webb Road, Wichita, KS 67226.
📅 Registration dates: From Monday 5 to Thursday 8 October.
⏰ Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
🚀 Start of classes: October 27.
💵 Program Cost: There is only a $50 annual payment for materials and supplies. Scholarships and financial aid are available if you cannot cover the fee right away.
📞 Contact phone: (316) 677-1150.
🌐 Official website: nexstepalliance.org.
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