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. 

At age five, Joselyn and her family immigrated from Honduras to Los Angeles, where she encountered challenges and life took an unexpected turn. 

After becoming pregnant as a teenager and leaving high school, NaShae Price enrolled in Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) for support. Pregnant with her first child, she was struggling to secure stable housing, transportation and a living wage job to help support her growing family. 

“When I was first diagnosed with unspecified psychosis, I didn’t want to believe it,” Michaelae Cotton said. “Many times…those with this diagnosis are described as ‘crazy.’ I was embarrassed and felt ashamed. It wasn’t until I found safe spaces that I began to embark on a journey of victory. My nurse came into my life at the perfect time.”

The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, recently celebrated 339 graduates during its winter ceremonies. Designed to empower individuals to overcome adversity and reach their potential, The Excel Center provides a unique opportunity for adult learners to earn an Indiana Core 40 high school diploma.

When Natalie Preimesberger enrolled in Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) in 2019, she had no job, no transportation, no stable housing, no high school diploma and many challenges to overcome. She grew up in a household where she experienced trauma, including exposure to substance abuse. 

To grow in his career and earn a family-sustaining wage, Mark Powell needed his high school diploma.

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 new Strategic Plan two years ago, we’ve made significant progress on our objectives and goals.

Tammi Burrus had her high school experience cut short when she became pregnant at the age of 16.