Last week, more than 100 advocates including local Goodwill CEOs, leaders, board members and program participants from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill this April for Goodwill on the Hill 2026, meeting with over 200 Members of Congress and Congressional staff to advocate for workforce solutions that meet today\u2019s economic realities.<\/p>\n
Throughout the day, Goodwill advocates shared how locally driven, employer\u2011aligned training programs are helping individuals build skills, access jobs, and strengthen their communities\u2014while underscoring the need for continued federal investment in workforce development and system reform.<\/p>\n
A featured moment of the event was remarks from Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, who spoke with Goodwill leaders about the Administration\u2019s efforts to modernize education and training systems. He emphasized that traditional models are no longer sufficient for today\u2019s economy and highlighted the Department of Labor\u2019s expanded role in closing the nation\u2019s skills gap.<\/p>\n
During their Hill visits, Goodwill leaders reinforced a clear message throughout the day: local Goodwill organizations are trusted workforce partners, delivering proven, employer\u2011responsive solutions while advancing opportunity, sustainability, and economic mobility in communities nationwide.<\/p>\n
As workforce challenges grow more complex, Goodwill on the Hill 2026 reaffirmed the importance of elevating local solutions at the national level\u2014and the power of collective advocacy to shape a more inclusive, future\u2011ready workforce system.<\/p>\n