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Prospective Students

About the Helms Academy

  • Operated by Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia in partnership with Camden County College, Temple University, the Community College of Philadelphia, Rowan College of Southern NJ/Rowan University and others, 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. English as a Second Language (ESL) services are also offered.
  • 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.  Youth program offered for those 16+ with adult consent.
  • Individuals who wish to improve their English language skills.

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.

Why It’s Important To Learn English

  • Help integrate into the community and communicate with neighbors.
  • Speaking English greatly elevates your quality of life and opens opportunities.
  • Gain a sense of independence and freedom to do things for yourself.
  • To go to school, train for a profession and get a job that pays well.

Enrollment Process

  • Please fill out the form to the right and a Helms Academy representative will call you.

LOCATIONS

NEW JERSEY:

  • HAMILTON: 1245 State Route 33, Hamilton, NJ 08690
  • MAPLE SHADE: 2835 Route 73, 2nd Floor, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
  • STRATFORD: 222 White Horse Pike, Stratford, NJ 08084
  • TOMS RIVER: 1 College Dr. (Ocean County College Achievement Center), Toms River, NJ 08753

PENNSYLVANIA:

  • PHILADELPHIA (North): 1509 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 2nd Floor (Temple University), Philadelphia, PA 19121
  • PHILADELPHIA (North): 1722 Cecil B. Moore Ave. (Alliance for Progress Charter School), Philadelphia, PA 19121
  • PHILADELPHIA (Logan): 1900 W. Olney Ave, Room 129 (La Salle University), Philadelphia, PA 19141
  • PHILADELPHIA (Juniata Park): 1440 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124
  • PHILADELPHIA (West): 4950 Parkside Ave, Unit B, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Services Offered

  • School Preparation
  • Classroom & Virtual Learning
  • Educational Assessments
  • Basic Skills Instruction
  • Computer Literacy
  • Tutoring
  • Individualized Instruction
  • Up to 30 College Credits
  • Career Counseling & Preparation
  • Job Development & Placement
  • College Counseling
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)

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