Helms Academy

The Helms Academy is a tuition-free program for adult learners who have not yet obtained their high school diploma. Offered by Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia and Community College of Philadelphia, participants have two options to pursue their high school education:

1. Earn high school equivalency through completion of the GED or HiSET test

2. Dual-enroll with the Community College of Philadelphia to obtain 30 college credits

Through both options, students ultimately earn a Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma. 

The generous investment of Goodwill provides all Helms Academy adult learners with no-cost testing and course materials. Drexel students and community volunteers perform as onsite academic tutors to routinely support adult learners as they puzzle through an algebra exercise or writing assignment. Volunteers, Drexel staff, and students from the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement offer individual tutoring and student support. Helms also offers online group instruction and YouTube workshops on math, language arts, and other subjects to ensure that learners are best prepared for their high school equivalency tests.

Partnering with Drexel's Workforce Development programs, we also provide free career counseling so that students are set up for success in the evolving workforce. Graduates of the program go on to find success in job promotions, new job training and apprenticeship opportunities, and continuing their post-secondary education.