If you’re among the estimated 80,000 Baltimore residents who didn’t complete high school, you might have already discovered that without a diploma, your career opportunities are significantly limited. Lacking a high school degree often places you at a distinct disadvantage in the job market compared to high school graduates. The reality is stark: securing a well-paying job becomes considerably more difficult without this essential credential.
But there’s good news if you are 21 or older and want to finish high school. Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake opened the Excel Center in downtown Baltimore to offer adults a second chance to earn an official Maryland high school diploma. You might be wondering if trying to get that diploma now will be worth the effort. Is it really that important to your future? In short, the answer is, “Yes!”
A high school diploma holds immense value. Here are several reasons to consider earning yours at the Goodwill Excel Center:
Enhance Your Earning Potential
Possessing a high school diploma significantly boosts your earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people without a high school diploma earn a median weekly income of $682 (“median” means half earn less and half earn more). In comparison, people who have graduated from highschool earn about $853 a week, and earnings leap to $1,432 for college graduates. The more education a worker has, the higher their median earnings.
Other research shows that adults without a high school diploma earn 70% less than those who graduated. As the number of jobs requiring some form of education beyond high school continues to grow, the income of people without a high school diploma falls even farther behind. So, without that diploma, you’ll miss out on thousands of dollars a year in income.
More Career and Job Opportunities
A high school diploma is often a fundamental requirement for most employers, serving as a testament to your education and skills. In today’s fast-paced work environment, companies expect new hires to adapt quickly and perform tasks efficiently. While many organizations offer training programs, they often require a foundational skill set in reading, writing, and basic mathematics. Moreover, the ability to learn and improve on the job is crucial, as it opens doors to additional responsibilities and career advancement.
Your capacity for learning and growth is pivotal in the workplace. A high school diploma is not just a certificate; it’s proof of your ability to learn and adapt. Employers are less concerned about physical abilities like speed or agility, unless specifically relevant to the job. What truly matters is your potential as a valuable investment for them. Your diploma, coupled with your academic performance, demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development, signaling to employers that you are serious about your career and their business needs.
Develop Lifelong Skills Personal and Professional Growth
Believe it or not, there’s more to life than getting a good job. You’ll face other situations where critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills are important. Adaptability and personal growth are also crucial, especially if you want to become (or already are) a parent or if you are interested in community leadership or advocacy.
Persevering to earn your diploma significantly enhances your capacity to navigate diverse challenges, make well-informed decisions, and achieve success. For those aged 21 and older, the Excel Center offers a unique opportunity to gain these vital skills, providing a second chance to build a foundation for a well-rounded, successful future.
Boost Your Confidence and Resilience
Graduating from high school takes lots of hard work and dedication. It’s an achievement that gives you a sense of accomplishment and confidence. You can hold your head up and know you completed something that was difficult but important. Achieving this educational milestone proves that you can overcome obstacles and possess the drive to reach your goals. Plus, it helps you compete in today’s quickly changing world, where the ability to learn, adapt, and use new technologies paves the way for more opportunities.
Embracing Your Journey Toward a Diploma
Life’s path is not the same for everyone, especially during the teenage years. You might have faced challenges that interrupted your high school education, or perhaps earlier decisions led you away from completing your diploma. Now, you stand at a pivotal moment, poised and prepared for a second chance to earn your high school diploma.
That’s what the Goodwill Excel Center is here for. And you’re who the Excel Center is here for. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from coming in and talking with an Excel Center counselor to see if this is the right path for you.
