The Goodwill Excel Center: An Accelerated Pathway to a High School Diploma for Adults
For adults seeking to earn a high school diploma, The Excel Center, operated by Goodwill Education Initiatives, offers a tuition-free, public charter high school option. This accelerated adult learning program is designed to help students achieve career and college readiness.
An Accelerated Adult Learning Program
The Excel Center’s accelerated adult learning program allows students to complete their full high school diploma in less than 2.5 years. Classes are offered year-round as part of five, eight-week terms. Each class is led by a licensed teacher. In addition to core academic classes, students may also pursue various industry-recognized credentials and take dual-enrollment courses with a local community college, offering an accelerated pathway to career and college readiness.
Addressing Non-Academic Needs
Recognizing that students face various challenges, The Excel Center provides comprehensive support services. All students are matched with a “life coach,” who provides guidance in navigating barriers to achieving their educational goals. Students also have access to on-site support services, such as child care and transportation assistance. Through Goodwill’s broader suite of programs, Excel Center students can also access more specialized services, including job search assistance, services for first-time mothers, and re-entry programming.
Preparing Students for Success After Graduation
The Excel Center’s college and career readiness specialists provide students with additional support as they prepare to graduate from the program.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
Going back to school is hard. Very hard in most cases. Adding education to the already full plate of responsibilities that usually come with adulthood is challenging. Finding ways to effectively balance the many responsibilities that come with being an adult and continuing one’s education is no small feat. In order to be successful you need to be honest with yourself about what it is going to take to accomplish this goal and plan accordingly. There is going to be stress. There will be roadblocks along the way. But if you plan appropriately, you’ll quickly learn that roadblocks will only lead to detours, not cliffs. The Goodwill Excel Center has coaches onsite to help our students overcome challenges and achieve success with the proper support system. It’s a simple concept but not one that should be taken lightly. Every single person is capable of far more than they realize. But they must be willing to see that within themselves if they are going to step outside their comfort zone.
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Other Options for Completing High School Education
That being said, The Goodwill Excel Center may not be for everyone but there are options out there. If you were only a few credits short when you left high school the first time then enrolling in an adult education program that will award you the credits you need to graduate is probably the course to take. Keep in mind any program that requires participation in classes will be more time consuming. Some community colleges will offer high school completion programs. Many state’s departments of education will also have resources and means to enroll in programs as well. Some areas will have adult high schools (like The Goodwill Excel Center) but many adults will find an online program more convenient. The ability to study and work within their own schedule will provide them the flexibility they need to balance life and school.
Avoiding Scams in Adult Education
Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams out there when it comes to adult education. This is especially true when it comes to online programs. Like many things, the rule of thumb for education is if it seems too good to be true… it probably is. There are plenty of red flags to consider when searching through adult education options: If the program asks for a lot of money up front, there is a lot of pressure to enroll, there is a lack of student services available, just to name a few. If you note any of these, be wary.
Graduation and Future Generations
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the school for existing, giving students a second chance at life, the teachers who have become a second family to me, and all those who have supported me academically and personally. “I decided I wanted to do more with my life. I did this for myself and for my entire family-AND for what this means for future generations! I have pride in knowing that my children were watching and supporting me. When Rose Marie graduated, she was honored to be the student commencement speaker. Just two years earlier, she had attended her sister’s graduation from Excel and was inspired by the Class of 2019 student speaker. “I remember Tamika speaking and thinking to myself, ‘That’s going to be me someday!’ …My experience at Excel was like finding another family. There was a difference in how Chaz felt about Excel than a regular high school. It was a place where he wanted to be, and a place where he knew he belonged. He knew the staff cared about him and his future. “When I needed tutoring, they were there.
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