The Excel Center in Shelbyville, IN Celebrates 10 Years of Economic Impact

Ten years ago, a door opened in Shelbyville that changed the trajectory of hundreds of lives. Today, The Excel Center®, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s free public high school for adults, proudly announces the 10th anniversary of its Shelbyville location.

Since its doors opened in 2016, the Shelbyville campus has been a cornerstone of the community, helping adult learners bridge the gap between their past challenges and their future potential. By providing a tuition-free path to a Core 40 high school diploma, industry-recognized certifications, and college credit, The Excel Center has equipped local residents with the tools to increase their earning potential and career stability.

Over the past decade, the Shelbyville campus has celebrated numerous milestones:

• Hundreds of Graduates: Successfully awarding high school diplomas to adults who previously faced barriers to completion.
• Industry Recognized Credentials: Graduates earn credentials in high-demand fields such as healthcare, logistics and manufacturing.
• Holistic Support: Providing free on-site childcare (Young Learners Child Care), transportation assistance and life coaching to ensure students can focus on their studies.

"Reaching this 10-year milestone is a testament to the grit of our students and the unwavering support of the Shelbyville community," says Shonda Russell, Director of The Excel Center in Shelbyville. "We aren't just a school; we are a place where people realize it is never too late to redefine their future through education."

To mark this decade of success, The Excel Center in Shelbyville will host a community celebration. Details of the event will be released soon. Local leaders, alumni, current students and partners will be invited to attend.

The Excel Center’s unique model addresses the specific needs of adult learners, offering high-quality, in person instruction, industry recognized certifications, and barrier removing wrap-around support through our coaching model. Because of our model, Excel Center graduates redefine what is possible for their families and their futures. Our graduates see a 39% increase in annual earnings after 5 years and a higher rate of employment [1].

“We are grateful to the Wilson Sheehan Laboratory for Economic Opportunity at the University of Notre Dame, whose economists have partnered with us for nearly 10 years to build evidence that The Excel Center model is a solution to generational poverty.” says Betsy Delgado, Chief Mission and Education Officer leadingThe Excel Center.

As Shelbyville continues to add to the 10,000 Excel Center graduates across Indiana, the Excel Center remains committed to building a skilled workforce that transforms communities.

For more information, visit https://excelcenter.org.

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[1] Brough, Rebecca, David C. Phillips, and Patrick S. Turner. 2024. "High Schools Tailored to Adults Can Help Them Complete a Traditional Diploma and Excel in the Labor Market." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy 16 (4): 34–67.