Goodwill Industries Opens High Schools For Adults, Offers Diplomas, And Dual Credits For College

Goodwill Industries is well known for helping people that are down on their luck by providing inexpensive clothing and housewares for purchase, jobs for individuals that need to learn a new skill, and various training classes regarding interviews and resume creation. In Indiana, Goodwill Industries is taking their interest in the community a little further by opening the Excel Center for adults to obtain their high school diploma, rather than a GED, as well as dual credits for college.

The Newest Excel Center is opening this spring in South Bend, Indiana and will allow adults to balance their work, family, life, and school schedule while they work toward their diploma. The Excel Center will also offer childcare and free transportation to those that are in need, reported the Elkhart Truth.

Students that attend the Excel Center in South Bend must be at least 19 years of age and have a desire to obtain a better education. As a reward, those that complete the program will receive a Core 40 diploma, which is equivalent to all Indiana high school diplomas and will also have the opportunity to earn dual credits in some courses that can be applied toward college. Ivy Tech Community College has partnered with Goodwill Industries’ Excel Center to provide the college credits.

The first Excel Academy opened in Indianapolis four years ago and the newest addition in South Bend will be the tenth to open. Classes will begin in July and be limited to 350 seats to begin with. According to WSBT News, there are over 40,000 adults in South Bend, Indiana that do not have their high school diploma. Limiting the debut class to 350 students may seem like a drop in the bucket, but it is the first ripple in an ocean of people eager to compete their high school education.

Jessica Ellis, a current Goodwill employee, regrets not completing her high school education and is hoping to be one of the first Excel Center graduates in South Bend.

“I have a lot of things I want to do but that is my ultimate goal and to do that I need an education. You can’t get nowhere without an education. You have to at least try for your kids.My barrier is education. I want my diploma. That is the only barrier that is stopping me and Goodwill has opened the doors for that success.”

Over the years, Goodwill has helped countless people land back on their feet after falling down. Now, with the inclusion of the Excel Center, they are offering one more foothold in the battle of obtaining a proper education. What are your thoughts on the Excel Center?

[Photo Courtesy: Time For You Organizing]