Announcements
Celebrating Our 2025-2026 Graduates
It’s that time of year when we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our NexStep Alliance graduates, and this year’s milestone is especially inspiring. A total of 79 adult learners earned their high school diplomas through the Goodwill Industries of Kansas NexStep Alliance program, in partnership with WSU Tech.
On Thursday, May 28, nearly 60 of those graduates proudly walked the stage at our annual graduation celebration held at the WSU Hughes Metroplex. Surrounded by family, friends, staff, and peers, each graduate was recognized for the determination and perseverance that brought them to this moment.
Setting the tone for the evening, Yamir Lozada, Director of Education and Workforce Development for Goodwill Industries of Kansas, reflected on the courage it takes to begin something new or uncertain:
“Because if there is one thing every graduate here understands, it is that opportunities are not always handed to you. Sometimes you have to create them yourself. Sometimes you have to keep moving forward without perfect timing or perfect circumstances.”
That spirit of resilience echoed throughout the ceremony, particularly in the heartfelt remarks from student speakers Daytona Becker and Briana Vanegmond. Each shared their personal journey to NexStep Alliance, highlighting the challenges they overcame and the meaningful relationships they built along the way. Their stories illustrated how the program not only supports academic success but also helps shape confident, empowered individuals ready for what’s next.
The celebration continued with a special video presentation featuring additional student success stories, further showcasing the growth experienced by NexStep students. These moments served as a powerful reminder that every graduate’s path is unique, yet equally worthy of celebration.
Beyond high school diploma completion, NexStep Alliance continues to provide a range of supportive services, including English language classes, digital skills training, and re-entry services. All of these services are designed to equip individuals with the tools they need to transform their lives through education, training, and employment.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your own education and career journey, there’s never been a better time to begin.
NexStep Enrollment
3351 N. Webb Rd., Wichita, KS
July 27-30, 2026
8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
