Baltimore’s newest adult high school, The Goodwill Excel Center is now accepting enrollments for the 2024-25 school year. This announcement comes as the center nears the completion of its inaugural year, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide adult learners with a second chance at earning a high school diploma.
The Excel Center, run by Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, is designed specifically for adults who did not complete high school, offering them an opportunity to earn their diplomas, gain essential job skills, and achieve certifications in various professional fields. The overarching goal is to equip these individuals with the tools and credentials necessary to improve their employment prospects and overall quality of life.
To support its students, the Excel Center offers a range of barrier-removal services. These include transportation assistance and flexible scheduling to accommodate the busy lives of adult learners. For those with young children, free onsite childcare is available, ensuring that parenting responsibilities do not hinder educational progress. Accelerated classes, taught by state-certified instructors, enable students to complete a course in just eight weeks, significantly reducing the time required to earn their high school diploma. These diplomas are recognized as equivalent to those from traditional high schools in Maryland, offering graduates the same opportunities.
The time it takes to graduate from The Goodwill Excel Center varies based on the number of credits a student needs and the number of courses they can manage simultaneously. Typically, individuals who dropped out of high school after completing two or three years can finish their diploma at the Excel Center within a year or less, thanks to the center’s accelerated curriculum.
In addition to academic support, The Goodwill Excel Center provides life coaching to help students develop personalized graduation plans. Life coaches assist with resume writing, interview preparation, and job skills training. For students interested in furthering their education or career prospects post-graduation, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake offers additional career education — CNA/GNA training, Pharmacy Technician program, and Job Readiness training, creating a pathway from education to employment.
Baltimore faces significant challenges that contribute to its high dropout rate, with an estimated 80,000 adults in the area lacking a high school diploma. Socioeconomic disparities, limited access to quality education, and various forms of adversity are among the factors that fuel this issue. The Goodwill Excel Center aims to address these challenges head on, providing a supportive and effective solution for adult learners.
The impact of such programs can be life changing. Adults without a high school diploma earn approximately 70 percent less than their peers who graduate. However, Goodwill Excel Center programs in other cities have demonstrated remarkable success. About 70 percent of their graduates either enroll in college or secure employment within six months of graduation. Additionally, 39 percent of these graduates report increased earnings compared to those without a diploma.
For more information or to apply, click here.
