Goodwill’s The Academy Launches New Hospitality Training Program

Free eight-week program prepares participants for careers in hotels, restaurants, and customer service

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. is expanding its career training opportunities with a new Hospitality program at The Academy’s Bendix Campus in South Bend. The free, eight-week program will run from September 28 through November 19, 2026. 

The program will prepare participants for front desk, food service and other guest-facing positions in hotels, restaurants and customer service settings. Students will have opportunities to earn four industry recognized certifications: 

• ServSafe Food Handler 
• Customer Service and Sales through the National Retail Federation 
• Certified Front Desk Representative 
• First Aid/CPR 

“Hospitality is centered on service, connection and making people feel welcome, which are skills that can open doors to rewarding careers in many different industries,” said Debie Coble, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Michiana. “By combining hands-on instruction with recognized certifications, this new program will give participants the practical skills and confidence they need to pursue meaningful employment.” 

Over eight immersive weeks, the curriculum will introduce students to hospitality and core professionalism through a blend of hands-on practice, classroom instruction, and direct employer networking. Participants will have the opportunity to earn multiple industry-recognized credentials, including the AHLEI Front Desk Certification, ServSafe Food Handler Certification, NRF Customer Service Specialty, and CPR/First Aid Certification. In addition to these certifications, the curriculum will cover: 

• Introduction to Hospitality & Professionalism 
• Customer Service Excellence 
• Sales, Reservations & Guest Engagement 
• Front Desk Operations 
• Housekeeping & Hotel Operations Basics

Goodwill is working with area hospitality and customer service employers to ensure the program reflects current workforce needs and prepares graduates for available career opportunities. 

“Tourism in St. Joseph County is a $1.7 billion industry that employs more than 13,400 people. Goodwill’s new Academy Hospitality program will play a vital role in preparing and developing the workforce that powers this industry,” emphasized Jeff Jarnecke, executive director, Visit South Bend Mishawaka. 

Siscilia McClurken will instruct the Hospitality program. In her current role as program manager for The Academy, McClurken oversees curriculum delivery, adult learning, and program administration. She previously spent six years in the restaurant industry, and later expanded her career to healthcare, which served to further refine her interpersonal skills. 

For more information about the Hospitality program or enrollment: 

• Visit: Goodwill Academy – Goodwill Michiana 

• Email: theacademy@goodwill-ni.org or smcclurken@goodwill-ni.org 

• Call: Siscilia McClurken, 219-433-1390 

The Hospitality program is part of The Academy’s growing portfolio of free, hands-on career training opportunities. The Academy also provides qualified instructors, job-search assistance and certification focused programs in automotive, construction, and manufacturing. Learn more about The Academy. 

About Goodwill Industries of Michiana 

Goodwill Industries of Michiana strengthens communities by empowering people to achieve their most abundant lives through education, training and job placement. The organization serves 19 counties in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois and operates 24 retail locations, along with charter high schools for adults, a maternal-child health program, a career and technical training academy and workforce development programs. For more information about Goodwill, visit www.Goodwill-NI.org.