CDE Field Trips - 9/11/24: Goodwill Excel Center

An adult student helps a man with an assignment at the Goodwill Excel Center.

Adults 22 or older can now earn a high school diploma at the tuition-free, in-person Goodwill Excel Center in Aurora. The Colorado Department of Education recently provided a four-year pilot grant of $4.7 million to help open the adult education center. 

In Colorado more than 300,000 adults haven’t received a high school diploma. However, research shows that high school graduates have more opportunities. Five years after graduating, students can expect to make 40% more than they would without a diploma, said James Sanchez, director of education and training at Goodwill of Colorado. 

The Excel Center provides student support services, flexible schedules, free transportation and child care. In addition to  diplomas, students are expected to earn an industry-recognized certificate that will also increase their earnings over time.

The school opened in August with about 60 students and hopes to double enrollment for the next session beginning in October. 

Learn more and apply on the Colorado Excel Center’s website.