Opening in Spring 2025, the Innovative and Free Adult High School Offers 30,000 Area High School Dropouts a Path Toward Success and Financial Independence
Rockford, IL – High school dropouts who have struggled with finding good-paying jobs will now be able to complete their education and substantially increase their earning potential thanks to the opening of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois’ Excel Center®.
As the first of its kind in Illinois, the tuition-free Excel Center will provide extensive support services including flexible class schedules, on-site childcare, transportation assistance, industry-recognized certifications, connections to community resources and career counselors who will help graduates transition into college or meaningful careers.
It is estimated that over 30,000 individuals in the Rockford region and over 1 million people in the state of Illinois don’t have their GED or high school diploma.
Each student is given a customized educational plan that caters to the life demands they now face as adults. Graduates typically see a 50% wage increase 6 months after graduation.
“Goodwill’s Excel Center will position thousands of Illinois residents to build brighter futures,” said Ben Bernsten, President of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois.
The adult high school will be located at 808 W. Riverside Blvd. in the former Gustafson’s Furniture space in the North Towne Mall. The current facility will be updated as an adult learning campus by spring 2025 and will include 10 classrooms, a computer lab, and free childcare services. The school will accommodate up to 300 students and will employ up to 20 new staff.
The Excel Center model was created by Goodwill Education Initiatives, Inc., a not-for-profit organization formed by Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Since the first Excel Center began operating in Indianapolis in 2010, 41 schools now operate in nine states.
Goodwill plans to offer community members, local leaders and stakeholders several informative sessions throughout 2024 to learn about the transformative impact the Excel Center will have on our residents.
For more information about the Excel Center visit our website at www.excelcenternil.org.