SAN ANTONIO -- Mitch Jackson sits in his classroom, pharmacology book and computer in front of him. What's unusual is that classroom is at the Interstate 10 and DeZavala Avenue Goodwill store, behind the racks of donated clothing for sale.

"All of the second-hand stuff, you don't think of a college experience at Goodwill," Jackson laughed.

Goodwill Careers Academy opened its doors to education and job opportunities in September. Students can get training and certification for careers like nurse's aide, information technology, and running a medical front office. Jackson is in the pharmacy technician program.

It's educational training for a fraction of the cost of a conventional vocational school, he said. Depending on the program, tuition runs $500 to $3,500. Various discounts are available to those who qualify.

The instructors are from the Alamo Community College District.

"We provide the exact same curriculum here as we would provide on campus," said Mary Elise Ferrer, liaison between San Antonio College and Goodwill Careers Academy. She said it appeals to students who find the times and location more convenient than the SAC campus classes.

The purpose of the academy, according to Goodwill's Marketing Director Rebecca Helterbrand, is to go beyond training and connect people to jobs.

"We'll often bring employers into the classes, meeting students before the class has even ended," Helterbrand said. "So, they are getting to know employers and getting a chance to apply."

So far, the Academy has seen success -- of the initial 22 students who have completed the nurse's aide program, 100 percent passed the state certification exam and went on to get jobs, according to Helterbrand.

Funding comes from a variety of sources that include government grants, corporate donations and profits from Goodwill's thrift stores.

"You have the benefit of a nonprofit invested in a social outcome and the ability to generate funding streams a traditional school can't," Helterbrand explained.

A second Goodwill Careers Academy is scheduled to open its doors at the San Pedro Avenue and Bitters Street location, followed by launches in New Braunfels and Laredo.