Nonprofit Workforce Development Through Product Donations

Goods Today, Trades Tomorrow (GT3) is a nonprofit workforce development organization based in West Chicago, Illinois and serving the Midwest region. GT3 converts excess inventory, returned products, and financial contributions into skilled trades scholarships and transportation assistance for students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs. By transforming unused goods into education funding, GT3 helps build a stronger skilled labor pipeline while reducing waste and supporting local communities.

What Is Goods Today, Trades Tomorrow (GT3)?

GT3 is a product donation nonprofit focused on workforce development. We partner with companies, schools, and individuals to convert excess inventory and unused products into funding for trade school education. The value generated from donated goods is used to provide scholarships that are paid directly to accredited community colleges and trade schools.

This model supports

Our impact turns resources into opportunity—reducing waste, supporting students, engaging partners, and creating measurable, transparent change for communities.

Skilled trades education and workforce training

⁠Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs

Community college certification programs

Regional economic development and job readiness

Partner With Us

Work with us to create better access to skill-based education for students who are ready to learn and grow. As a partner school, you become part of a network focused on helping learners move forward with the right guidance and opportunities.

Through this collaboration, students can receive the support they need—whether it’s financial assistance or help with essential resources—to continue their education without unnecessary barriers. This allows them to stay focused on building real, practical skills. Is this supposed to speak to how GT3 can provide schools with equipment, supplies, or tools? not sure if this is relaying the right message.

Together, we can create a more direct path from learning to earning, ensuring that education leads to meaningful outcomes for every student who is willing to put in the effort

Who GT3 Supports

For Corporate Donors

Companies with excess inventory, product returns, or discontinued goods can donate those items to GT3 instead of liquidating or disposing of them. Donated products are responsibly redistributed or sold, and the proceeds are used to fund trade scholarships and workforce development programs.

For Schools and Training Programs

GT3 partners with community colleges and accredited training providers to deliver scholarship funding directly to institutions. We also help schools by offering access to discounted, donated products that enhance classrooms and facilities, giving students valuable exposure to workforce training in skilled trades.

For Students

GT3 provides skilled trades scholarships and transportation assistance to individuals pursuing careers in high-demand fields. Many trade students do not qualify for traditional financial aid, and GT3 helps bridge that gap.

Skilled Trades and Career Pathways Supported

GT3 supports a broad range of skilled trades and Career and Technical Education programs, including:

Healthcare support roles such as Certified Nursing Assistant
Automotive and diesel technicians
Welding, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades
Public safety and law enforcement careers
Cosmetology, barbering, and personal care professions

These careers are essential to the economy and are experiencing growing workforce shortages across the Midwest and the United States.

Support with Resources

This collaboration removes educational barriers by providing students with vital financial support and resources. As a result, they can seamlessly access workforce training and develop the practical skills needed for future career options.

Together, we can create a more direct path from learning to earning, ensuring that education leads to meaningful outcomes for every student who is willing to put in the effort.

Why Workforce Development and Trade Education Matter

The United States faces a critical shortage of skilled workers across healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, and public safety. While traditional four-year degrees remain financially out of reach for many, trade programs offer a faster path to a vital career. GT3 bridges the funding gap by transforming corporate product donations into direct trade scholarships. By eliminating tuition and transportation barriers, we clear the runway for students to master high-demand, practical skills.

The average cost of a college credit hour in the United States is approximately $490, while many trade programs range from $5,000 to $15,000 total. Even at lower cost, many students still face financial and transportation barriers.

GT3 addresses this gap by funding education directly through a sustainable product donation model.

How GT3 Works

GT3 creates a closed-loop system that connects corporate donors, educational institutions, and students.

Companies donate excess inventory and returned goods.
GT3 redistributes or sells donated products.
Proceeds fund scholarships paid directly to schools.
Students complete training and enter the workforce.

This model turns unused products into long-term economic opportunity.