---
title: Pushing beyond a difficult path to higher education
description: Clarissa earned her high school diploma from The Excel Center after dropping out of high school to take care of her daughter. She is now on her way to a college degree.
image: https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/CDunn3.png
---

![](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Logos/GCSI-wordmark.png?width=269&name=GCSI-wordmark.png "GCSI-wordmark.png")

## [Pushing beyond a difficult path to higher education](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/pushing-beyond-a-difficult-path-to-higher-education)

 \[fa icon="calendar"\] Aug 9, 2017 8:00:00 PM / by [Scott Crabb](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/author/scott-crabb)

![Scott Crabb](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/ScottCrabb.png?width=35&name=ScottCrabb.png)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

If you didn’t know her story, Clarissa Dunn would look like an average, 21-year old college student, but the truth is, she has worked extremely hard to get on the path to higher education. She dropped out of high school her freshman year after becoming pregnant. When she enrolled at [The Excel Center®](http://www.excelcenter.org), Goodwill’s high school for adults, she had few transferable credits and was completely starting over.

![Clarissa worked hard to earn her high school diploma](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/CDunn3.png?width=700&name=CDunn3.png "Clarissa worked hard to earn her high school diploma")

Clarissa dropped out of high school during her freshman year. She was pregnant with her daughter and knew she would need to focus and take care of her. Not long after, her brother recommended that she attend The Excel Center, a school that provides a free opportunity for adults to earn a high school diploma. She enrolled shortly after.

Clarissa’s favorite subject is math. Even as a student, she tutored her peers who were struggling. Four years later, Clarissa graduated, earning her high school diploma, but she wasn’t finished with her educational pursuits.

![The Excel Center was a great fit for Clarissa](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/CDunn1.png?width=700&name=CDunn1.png "The Excel Center was a great fit for Clarissa")

After hearing a guest speaker talk about the Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP) at Ivy Tech Community College, Clarissa set a new goal to earn an associate's degree. She expects to graduate from the program in one year.

“I go to school 40 hours a week. It’s really fast,” Clarissa said.

An unreliable car has made her path to education more difficult. At times, she struggled to get to school because of her car's tendency to not make it from point A to point B. 

Clarissa applied for and was awarded a McClelland Scholarship which assists participants in Goodwill programs with barriers to furthering their education. She used the scholarship to fix her vehicle.

“I deserve to be a McClelland Scholar because I've worked really hard to get where I am and the only thing holding me back was transportation,” Clarissa said.

Clarissa is an advocate of The Excel Center and has recommended it to other people who have dropped out of high school. Clarissa is on track to graduate from Ivy Tech in 2018. After she graduates, she sees herself continuing her education by pursuing a master’s degree.

“You have to *want* your education before you can get it,” she said.   

 Topics: [The Excel Center](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center), [Education](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/education), [McClelland Scholarship](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mcclelland-scholarship)

![Scott Crabb](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/ScottCrabb.png?width=100&height=100&name=ScottCrabb.png)

#### Written by [Scott Crabb](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/author/scott-crabb)

Goodwill 2017 Marketing intern

### Subscribe to Email Updates

- Recent
- Popular
- Categories

### Lists by Topic

- [Education (276)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/education)
- [Employment (221)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/employment)
- [The Excel Center (205)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center)
- [Mission Awareness (195)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-awareness)
- [Success Story (192)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/success-story)
- [Retail (140)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/retail)
- [Nurse-Family Partnership (104)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurse-family-partnership)
- [Mission Coaches (84)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-coaches)
- [Disability (82)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability)
- [Goodwill Education (76)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-education)
- [Indianapolis Metropolitan High School (67)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/indianapolis-metropolitan-high-school)
- [Goodwill Commercial Services (65)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-commercial-services)
- [Parents (65)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/parents)
- [Community Partners (57)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/community-partners)
- [Criminal History (46)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/criminal-history)
- [TalentSource (37)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/talentsource)
- [mental health (35)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mental-health)
- [New Beginnings (27)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/new-beginnings)
- [Foundation (25)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/foundation)
- [Multi-gen impact (22)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/multi-gen-impact)
- [Southern Indiana (22)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/southern-indiana)
- [Senior Community Service Employment Program (21)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/senior-community-service-employment-program)
- [Former Addiction (19)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/former-addiction)
- [Goodwill Outlet (18)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-outlet)
- [McClelland Scholarship (18)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mcclelland-scholarship)
- [ClickGoodwill (16)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/clickgoodwill)
- [Language Barrier (15)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/language-barrier)
- [Leadership Spotlight (15)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/leadership-spotlight)
- [#NDEAM (14)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ndeam)
- [Disability Services (13)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability-services)
- [AbilityOne (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/abilityone)
- [Goodwill Donation (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-donation)
- [Goodwill Donor (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-donor)
- [The Excel Center National Office (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-national-office)
- [Children's Learning Center (11)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/childrens-learning-center)
- [President's Message (11)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/presidents-message)
- [Goodwill Young Leaders (10)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-young-leaders)
- [Black History Month (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/black-history-month)
- [COVID-19 (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Goodwill Intern (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-intern)
- [DIY (8)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/diy)
- [Veteran (8)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veteran)
- [DIY from Goodwill Finds (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/diy-from-goodwill-finds)
- [Strategic Plan (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/strategic-plan)
- [Sustainability (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/sustainability)
- [38thandSheridan (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/38thandsheridan)
- [LGBTQ (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/lgbtq)
- [Nurses Week (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurses-week)
- [Valentines Day (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/valentines-day)
- [Volunteers (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/volunteers)
- [Financial Literacy (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/financial-literacy)
- [National Hispanic Heritage Month (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/national-hispanic-heritage-month)
- [Pride Month (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/pride-month)
- [The Excel Center Meadows (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-meadows)
- [#neurodiverse (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/neurodiverse)
- [Educator Appreciation Month (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/educator-appreciation-month)
- [Goodwill Shopper (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-shopper)
- [Halloween (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/halloween)
- [The Excel Center Shelbyville (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-shelbyville)
- [refugee (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/refugee)
- [Fall Decor (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/fall-decor)
- [Goodwill Ignite (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-ignite)
- [Homelessness (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/homelessness)
- [Horizon House (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/horizon-house)
- [Lilly Global Day of Service (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/lilly-global-day-of-service)
- [Non Profit Leadership (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/non-profit-leadership)
- [Recycle (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/recycle)
- [The Excel Center Grant County (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-grant-county)
- [The Excel Center Southeast (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-southeast)
- [University Heights (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/university-heights)
- [Wellness (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/wellness)
- [Women's History Month (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/womens-history-month)
- [nonprofitday (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nonprofitday)
- [#beyondbarriers (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/beyondbarriers)
- [Cleaning (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/cleaning)
- [Downsizing (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/downsizing)
- [Goodwill Boutique (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-boutique)
- [Goodwill UNBOXED (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-unboxed)
- [GoodwillNext (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwillnext)
- [Halloween, DIY (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/halloween-diy)
- [Janitorial Training Program (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/janitorial-training-program)
- [LEAP (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/leap)
- [Mental Health Day (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mental-health-day)
- [Nurses Month (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurses-month)
- [Per Scholas (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/per-scholas)
- [The Excel Center Bloomington (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-bloomington)
- [The Excel Center Michigan Street (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-michigan-street)
- [The Excel Center West (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-west)
- [Tremont (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/tremont)
- [Vintage Vogue by GW (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/vintage-vogue-by-gw)
- [Young Learner's Child Care (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/young-learners-child-care)
- [eCommerce (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ecommerce)
- [manufacturing (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/manufacturing)
- [veterans (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans)
- [#ADA29 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada29)
- [#ADA30 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada30)
- [#ADA34 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada34)
- [#GoodGuides (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodguides)
- [#Youth Mentoring (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/youth-mentoring)
- [#mentoring (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mentoring)
- [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month)
- [Beyond Barriers (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/beyond-barriers)
- [CIMS Certification (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/cims-certification)
- [Decatur (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/decatur)
- [Earth Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/earth-day)
- [General Wayne A Downing Home for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/general-wayne-a-downing-home-for-veterans)
- [GivingShoesday (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/givingshoesday)
- [GivingTuesday (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/givingtuesday)
- [Goodwill Housing Services (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-housing-services)
- [Goodwill Rewards (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-rewards)
- [Goodwill Week (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-week)
- [Indy Fresh Market (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/indy-fresh-market)
- [National Custodian Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/national-custodian-day)
- [Patriot Weekend (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/patriot-weekend)
- [Riverview Apartments (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/riverview-apartments)
- [Stand Down for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/stand-down-for-veterans)
- [The Excel Center Anderson (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-anderson)
- [The Excel Center Bartholomew County (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-bartholomew-county)
- [The General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-general-wayne-a-downing-home-for-veterans)
- [Veterans Home (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans-home)
- [Veterans Support (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans-support)
- [WBW2020 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/wbw2020)
- [Warehousing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/warehousing)
- [Weekend Rewards (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/weekend-rewards)
- [Workforce Housing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/workforce-housing)
- [World Diabetes Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/world-diabetes-day)
- [donating (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/donating)
- [organizing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/organizing)

see all

### Posts by Topic

- [Education (276)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/education)
- [Employment (221)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/employment)
- [The Excel Center (205)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center)
- [Mission Awareness (195)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-awareness)
- [Success Story (192)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/success-story)
- [Retail (140)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/retail)
- [Nurse-Family Partnership (104)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurse-family-partnership)
- [Mission Coaches (84)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mission-coaches)
- [Disability (82)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability)
- [Goodwill Education (76)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-education)
- [Indianapolis Metropolitan High School (67)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/indianapolis-metropolitan-high-school)
- [Goodwill Commercial Services (65)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-commercial-services)
- [Parents (65)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/parents)
- [Community Partners (57)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/community-partners)
- [Criminal History (46)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/criminal-history)
- [TalentSource (37)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/talentsource)
- [mental health (35)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mental-health)
- [New Beginnings (27)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/new-beginnings)
- [Foundation (25)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/foundation)
- [Multi-gen impact (22)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/multi-gen-impact)
- [Southern Indiana (22)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/southern-indiana)
- [Senior Community Service Employment Program (21)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/senior-community-service-employment-program)
- [Former Addiction (19)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/former-addiction)
- [Goodwill Outlet (18)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-outlet)
- [McClelland Scholarship (18)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mcclelland-scholarship)
- [ClickGoodwill (16)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/clickgoodwill)
- [Language Barrier (15)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/language-barrier)
- [Leadership Spotlight (15)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/leadership-spotlight)
- [#NDEAM (14)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ndeam)
- [Disability Services (13)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/disability-services)
- [AbilityOne (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/abilityone)
- [Goodwill Donation (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-donation)
- [Goodwill Donor (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-donor)
- [The Excel Center National Office (12)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-national-office)
- [Children's Learning Center (11)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/childrens-learning-center)
- [President's Message (11)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/presidents-message)
- [Goodwill Young Leaders (10)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-young-leaders)
- [Black History Month (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/black-history-month)
- [COVID-19 (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Goodwill Intern (9)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-intern)
- [DIY (8)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/diy)
- [Veteran (8)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veteran)
- [DIY from Goodwill Finds (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/diy-from-goodwill-finds)
- [Strategic Plan (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/strategic-plan)
- [Sustainability (7)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/sustainability)
- [38thandSheridan (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/38thandsheridan)
- [LGBTQ (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/lgbtq)
- [Nurses Week (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurses-week)
- [Valentines Day (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/valentines-day)
- [Volunteers (6)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/volunteers)
- [Financial Literacy (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/financial-literacy)
- [National Hispanic Heritage Month (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/national-hispanic-heritage-month)
- [Pride Month (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/pride-month)
- [The Excel Center Meadows (5)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-meadows)
- [#neurodiverse (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/neurodiverse)
- [Educator Appreciation Month (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/educator-appreciation-month)
- [Goodwill Shopper (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-shopper)
- [Halloween (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/halloween)
- [The Excel Center Shelbyville (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-shelbyville)
- [refugee (4)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/refugee)
- [Fall Decor (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/fall-decor)
- [Goodwill Ignite (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-ignite)
- [Homelessness (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/homelessness)
- [Horizon House (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/horizon-house)
- [Lilly Global Day of Service (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/lilly-global-day-of-service)
- [Non Profit Leadership (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/non-profit-leadership)
- [Recycle (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/recycle)
- [The Excel Center Grant County (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-grant-county)
- [The Excel Center Southeast (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-southeast)
- [University Heights (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/university-heights)
- [Wellness (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/wellness)
- [Women's History Month (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/womens-history-month)
- [nonprofitday (3)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nonprofitday)
- [#beyondbarriers (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/beyondbarriers)
- [Cleaning (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/cleaning)
- [Downsizing (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/downsizing)
- [Goodwill Boutique (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-boutique)
- [Goodwill UNBOXED (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-unboxed)
- [GoodwillNext (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwillnext)
- [Halloween, DIY (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/halloween-diy)
- [Janitorial Training Program (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/janitorial-training-program)
- [LEAP (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/leap)
- [Mental Health Day (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mental-health-day)
- [Nurses Month (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/nurses-month)
- [Per Scholas (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/per-scholas)
- [The Excel Center Bloomington (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-bloomington)
- [The Excel Center Michigan Street (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-michigan-street)
- [The Excel Center West (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-west)
- [Tremont (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/tremont)
- [Vintage Vogue by GW (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/vintage-vogue-by-gw)
- [Young Learner's Child Care (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/young-learners-child-care)
- [eCommerce (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ecommerce)
- [manufacturing (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/manufacturing)
- [veterans (2)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans)
- [#ADA29 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada29)
- [#ADA30 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada30)
- [#ADA34 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/ada34)
- [#GoodGuides (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodguides)
- [#Youth Mentoring (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/youth-mentoring)
- [#mentoring (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/mentoring)
- [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month)
- [Beyond Barriers (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/beyond-barriers)
- [CIMS Certification (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/cims-certification)
- [Decatur (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/decatur)
- [Earth Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/earth-day)
- [General Wayne A Downing Home for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/general-wayne-a-downing-home-for-veterans)
- [GivingShoesday (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/givingshoesday)
- [GivingTuesday (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/givingtuesday)
- [Goodwill Housing Services (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-housing-services)
- [Goodwill Rewards (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-rewards)
- [Goodwill Week (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/goodwill-week)
- [Indy Fresh Market (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/indy-fresh-market)
- [National Custodian Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/national-custodian-day)
- [Patriot Weekend (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/patriot-weekend)
- [Riverview Apartments (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/riverview-apartments)
- [Stand Down for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/stand-down-for-veterans)
- [The Excel Center Anderson (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-anderson)
- [The Excel Center Bartholomew County (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-excel-center-bartholomew-county)
- [The General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/the-general-wayne-a-downing-home-for-veterans)
- [Veterans Home (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans-home)
- [Veterans Support (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/veterans-support)
- [WBW2020 (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/wbw2020)
- [Warehousing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/warehousing)
- [Weekend Rewards (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/weekend-rewards)
- [Workforce Housing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/workforce-housing)
- [World Diabetes Day (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/world-diabetes-day)
- [donating (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/donating)
- [organizing (1)](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/topic/organizing)

see all

### Recent Posts

#### About Us

Everything we do, including our retail operations, helps us further our mission of helping individuals and families become more economically self-sufficient. From education, to employment, to health, all our programs and services – made possible through your support – provide life-changing opportunities to those who connect with Goodwill.

 

[Learn More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](http://www.goodwillindy.org/what-we-do/)

 

#### More Links

- [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] Home](http://www.goodwillindy.org/)
- [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] Blog](https://blog.goodwillindy.org/)
- [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] About Us](http://www.goodwillindy.org/about/)
- [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] Contact Us](http://www.goodwillindy.org/contact/)

#### Contact Us

\[fa icon="envelope"\]  [goodwill@goodwillindy.org](mailto:goodwill@goodwillindy.org)

\[fa icon="home"\]  1635 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis IN 46222

\[fa icon="facebook-square"\]Facebook \[fa icon="linkedin-square"\]Linkedin \[fa icon="twitter-square"\]Twitter \[fa icon="pinterest-square"\]Pinterest

 Copyright 2026 | Designed with \[fa icon="heart"\] by [HubSpot](https://www.hubspot.com)

\[fa icon="chevron-up"\]Back to top

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Scott Crabb",
    "url" : "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/author/scott-crabb"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2017-08-10T00:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Pushing beyond a difficult path to higher education",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/01_GICI/Blog_Photos/CDunn3.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/pushing-beyond-a-difficult-path-to-higher-education",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.goodwillindy.org/hubfs/GCSI-wordmark%20copy.png"
    },
    "name" : "Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana"
  }
}
```