The Excel Center might be new to Roanokers and Virginians, but it’s part of a proven national model.
For more than 15 years, Goodwill nonprofits across the United States have opened high schools specifically tailored to help adults in the community who never earned their high school diploma.
The model has helped more than 15,000 adults across the country by offering flexible scheduling, classroom-based learning and wraparound support to address common barriers faced by adults when returning to school.
The result? Economic stability through higher earnings and more qualified workers. Excel Center graduates experience an average 35% increase in earnings within four years and are 22% more likely to enroll in college or earn a professional certificate.
The model’s success comes from three key elements.
- Accelerated courses. The Excel Center offers courses every eight weeks, and adult learners only take the courses that they need to earn their high school diploma. With morning and afternoon classes, there is flexibility to attend classes around schedules. By offering a class-based model, The Excel Center offers learners the ability to ask questions, delve deeper and receive individualized support to ensure their success.
- Barrier reduction. Reducing barriers for adult learners is key as they look to return back to high school to finish credits for their high school diploma. More than 65% of enrollees at Excel Centers have children and 66% are economically disadvantaged. Providing free childcare and transportation assistance are differentiating factors that enable learners to focus on their coursework while balancing life, work and families.
- Support in visioning the future. Life coaches set The Excel Center apart. Breaking generational cycles of poverty requires vision, and these staff members assist learners individually with seeing the future that is possible for them once they earn their high school diploma. In addition to diving into barriers and needs, life coaches help learners with time-management skills, career visioning and mentorship to map out a personal map for success.
The result is more adults in the community who are succeeding in their chosen path, setting up success for generations to come.
Do you know someone who needs their high school diploma? Staff at The Excel Center are ready to talk them through next steps to see if The Excel Center is right for the
About The Excel Center
- Began in 2010 in Indiana
- Has helped more than 15,000 adults nationwide
- Flexible, personalized model
- Helps adults find success