Helms College, named in honor of Rev. Edgar J. Helms, the founding father of the international nonprofit Goodwill Industries, is a nonprofit, accredited postsecondary institution that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world job skills. Founded by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, Helms offers career-focused education grounded in purpose and hands-on experience.

Its Augusta campus, located just minutes from Augusta National, is home to the School of Hospitality, which was recently ranked among the Top 10 Culinary Schools in America by Niche.com. The college’s “education with purpose” model places students inside operating hospitality businesses as part of their curriculum — including Helms-affiliated Edgar’s Hospitality Group (EHG) venues: Edgar’s Grille, Edgar’s Bakehouse, Edgar’s Above Broad, and The Pinnacle Club, Augusta’s premier private dining and social club (www.edgarshospitality.com).

“After 12 years of building this innovative immersion education model in Augusta, we are proud to demonstrate how career education can be both rigorous and transformative,” said Jim Stiff, President of Goodwill of Middle Georgia and Helms College. “During Masters Week, the eyes of the world are on Augusta — and so is the opportunity to spotlight our students and a scalable model that can uplift lives and communities around the world.”

President Stiff’s vision is to scale Helms College branches in collaboration with 159 other autonomous Goodwill organizations worldwide, with the nonprofit College’s headquarters anchored in Augusta. Helms College offers associate degrees and diplomas in Hospitality, Health Services, and Skilled Trades, with a mission to provide a hand-up to individuals seeking high-demand, high-purpose careers. As traditional higher education models face increasing pressure, Helms College is proving to be an extremely effective way to equip individuals looking for sustainable career advancement.