When Sam Harmeson left high school, they were coping with the death of their mother from a drug overdose and struggling with undiagnosed autism. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, and Sam found it difficult to secure a job, especially without a diploma. In 2023, when Sam and their caretaker and aunt, Bettina Hapney, visited a local Goodwill retail store, Sam learned about an opportunity that would change their life. 

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the theme Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations, we honor women whose leadership and vision have created lasting change in their communities and beyond. Few embody this spirit more than Betsy Delgado, Senior Vice President and Chief Mission and Education Officer at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Through her dedication to expanding educational access and breaking down systemic barriers, Betsy has transformed thousands of lives, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

The Excel Center®, Goodwill's tuition-free high school for adults, recently honored hundreds of students during its 2025 winter graduating class. Designed to empower individuals to overcome adversity and reach their potential, The Excel Center provides a unique opportunity for adult learners, like Michael Barlow, to earn an Indiana Core 40 high school diploma.

Each year in February, the United States celebrates and recognizes the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history, highlighting their cultural heritage, struggles, and triumphs against adversity, with the primary goal of educating people about the significant impact Black people have had on our country. This year, the theme for Black History Month is African Americans and Labor. 

When Angela Felix learned she was pregnant and moving to Indiana, she knew she wanted a more stable life and better income for herself and her child. She knew the first step toward achieving stability was to complete her education. As she researched, The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s free high school for adults, caught her attention.

“The staff talked about helping me get a certification and a career in a field I want,” said Angela.

Angela enrolled in The Excel Center in July 2023, hoping to enter the health care field after graduation.  

“The support is different,” said Angela. “The staff really has a drive to help people get their diploma and set them up for success.”

Last year was a big year for Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana as we educated, employed and served more individuals than ever before. Since launching our Strategic Plan three years ago, we’ve made significant progress on our objectives and goals, resulting in life-changing impact in our communities.

In 2022, a team at Goodwill Colorado and Goodwill Education Initiatives examined the feasibility and need for opening The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, in their state. Not only did they find a need, but they also discovered an extensive network of support for opening an adult high school.

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

When Angela Gregory enrolled at The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, she was a single parent to her three-year-old son and struggling to secure stable, long-term housing. She also has autism. Her primary motivation for completing high school was her son.

Indianapolis Metropolitan High School (Indy Met) is a free public school offering a high school education to students in grades 9-12 that is operated by Goodwill Education Initiatives. It is a best-fit school for students experiencing circumstances that may present a barrier to education and places an emphasis on ensuring students enroll in college or enter into a career that offers a living wage post-graduation. The school recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.