Prospective Students |

About the Helms Academy

Operated by Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia in partnership with Drexel University, Camden County College and the Community College of Philadelphia, The Helms Academy offers free general adult education and employment services that help individuals fulfill the necessary academic requirements to get their high school diploma while simultaneously earning college credits. Up to 30 college credits can be earned.
Flexible scheduling including online learning 24-7 is offered. Through The Helms Academy, students can focus on their education, while also developing a career path with the help of our job development and placement services.
Through the generous investment of Goodwill’s retail stores and individuals and companies who support the program, The Helms Academy is a free service that provides the best possible chance for students to succeed in the ever evolving workforce.

Who We Serve

Adults 18 and older who have left traditional secondary education and are unable to return due to age and/or circumstance.

Why Get Your High School Diploma?

A high school graduate earns at least 50% more than a high school drop out in a lifetime.
Unemployment rates are double for those without a high school diploma.
40% of those living in poverty lack a high school diploma.

Our Locations

STRATFORD, NJ: 222 White Horse Pike
PHILADELPHIA, PA: 3509 Spring Garden St. (located inside the Beachell Family Learning Center at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships)
MAPLE SHADE, NJ: 2835 Route 73
TOMS RIVER, NJ: 1 College Dr. (Ocean County College Youth Success Center)
COMING SOON: Temple University in North Philadelphia

Enrollment Process

Call us at 215-571-4011 (Philadelphia location) or 856-566-5375 (NJ location) to schedule an intake.
Fill out our form and a Helms Academy representative will call you.

Services Offered

School Preparation
Educational Assessments
Basic Skills Instruction
Computer Literacy

Tutoring
Individualized Instruction
Up to 30 College Credits
Career Counseling & Preparation

Job Development & Placement
College Counseling

Testimonials

The Helms Academy has dramatically changed the lives of many individuals living in the South Jersey-Philadelphia communities.

The Helms Academy staff really care about you and this makes a huge difference if you succeed or not. Now, I have a chance at a better future. Thank you, Goodwill, for a wonderful program that has changed my life.

Nancy Lafferty

The Helms Academy helped me realize that if you surround yourself with the right people and work hard, you can do whatever you set your mind to. I am well on my way now.

Ashley Hanna