When Melissa Cotton left high school her senior year, it was after enduring years of bullying by her peers for a learning disability. 

“I was picked on for being in special education classes and often got in trouble for defending myself,” Melissa admits. “My mom eventually signed me out of school.” 

Two years ago, Melissa applied for a promotion at her job and was selected for an interview.

“I was excited to move up in the company, but when they asked to see my high school diploma, I quit out of embarrassment,” she said. “I was tired of going through that.” 

Melissa had about half of the credits she needed to complete her high school education, so in 2022, she enrolled at The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, to finish what she started. The school staff provided her with an amazing support system.

“My math teacher would come to class an hour early to help me with my work,” Melissa explained. “When I was having trouble taking notes and following along with the discussion, an Excel Center coach came in and took my notes so that I could give my full attention to the teacher.” 

Melissa also received assistance from The Excel Center when she needed help with a utility bill, and sometimes she used the school’s onsite food pantry to supplement her groceries. In 2024, she proudly walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma and also graduated with a Home Health Aide certification.

“If it wasn’t for the staff at The Excel Center, I wouldn’t have graduated,” Melissa asserts. “They were patient and never gave up on me.”

Upon graduation, Melissa was connected with GoodwillNext, a program that offers Excel Center graduates personalized professional development coaching and covers the costs of earning an industry-recognized job certification in an in-demand field. Melissa is currently enrolled in a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant course and is excited about her future.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” Melissa said. 

Visit our website to learn more about The Excel Center.