When Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana and Per Scholas officially partnered in late 2022, they shared a simple but powerful goal: to open doors to opportunity through education. Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that provides no-cost technology career training and job connections, especially for individuals traditionally underrepresented in tech, moved into Goodwill’s corporate offices on West Michigan Street in January 2023. By March, the first cohort of learners had begun, bringing new energy, hope, and possibility into the space.
One of those stories of possibility belongs to India Hayes.
Not long ago, India was balancing two jobs, working as a preschool teacher while also serving part-time at a country club. She loved caring for children, but she knew she wanted a future with more stability and growth opportunities. The turning point came through her mother who introduced her to. GoodwillNext, a program designed to help individuals with a high school diploma earn certifications, increase economic mobility, and close critical skills gaps..
Through her GoodwillNext coach, India was introduced to the Per Scholas program.. With encouragement and determination, she applied for the October 2024 cohort and was accepted. Just a few months later, in January 2025, India graduated with her CompTIA A+ certification, an achievement that marked the start of a brand-new chapter.
The program offered more than technical skills. Weekly professional development classes helped India prepare for the corporate environment, building confidence alongside knowledge. So when an IT Tier 1 Helpdesk Associate position opened at Goodwill, she felt ready. She applied, and was hired just one week later.
“Per Scholas felt like an investment in myself,” India shared. “Something to better myself and get me into a lifelong career.” She’s quick to add that the journey wasn’t easy. “It was really fast-paced. I even had to take a break from my smartphone so I could stay focused on studying. It was serious but worth it.”
Today, India is grateful for the opportunity and for the people who made it possible. The program has transformed her life and continues to create pathways for others who might not otherwise afford this kind of education. Looking ahead, she’s excited to explore the many facets of IT and discover where her passion will lead her next.
India’s story is a reminder that with the right support, access, and belief, a single opportunity can open the door to a lifetime of possibility.
If you’d like more information about the Per Scholas program, you can visit their website here.