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. 

Every year, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana hosts Goodwill’s Education and Mission Conference (GEM), a one-day professional development event. Mission and education professionals throughout Goodwill’s central and southern Indiana network have the opportunity to learn from one another and share best practices in their work through presentations and panel discussions.

The Excel Center®, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s tuition-free high school for adults, recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its southeast Indianapolis location (2251 Sloan Avenue). Speakers included Kent A. Kramer, president & CEO of Goodwill, Mayor Joe Hogsett, Johnny Manson, school director, and Adriana Flores, a recent graduate. 

When Johnny Manson joined Goodwill in October 2016 as a part-time donation attendant, he had been struggling to secure employment due to past legal issues and a lifelong history of depression.