The Excel Center, the first public charter school in Indiana to provide adults an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and begin post-secondary education tuition-free, celebrated the accomplishments of its students during the school’s first graduation ceremony Jan. 24 at the Indiana Historical Society. Thirty-one students graduated.
“I’m not sure who is more excited about our ceremony, our students or our staff. We have celebrated the students’ attendance, credits obtained and every other accomplishment along the way. Nothing compares to how we feel now and the emotions we’ll feel,” said Scott Bess, chief operating officer of Goodwill Education Initiatives Inc.
The ultimate goal of the school is for students to develop career paths that offer better-than-average employment and growth opportunities. The Excel Center pays tuition costs for students to take the first steps toward earning industry-recognized certificates or undergraduate degrees at Ivy Tech Community College.
Another element of The Excel Center’s unique model is that each student is matched with a life coach to motivate and help them work through circumstances that may prevent them from attending class or focusing on their studies. Life coaches also inspire students by reminding them how far they’ve come and how much they have to gain once they finish.
“I am overwhelmed and can’t wait to tell the students publicly (in front of friends and family) how proud of them I am,” said Betsy Delgado, executive director, The Excel Center. “They are the reasons that we do what we do. Adults have opportunities to change their lives and move forward.”
Jennifer Skinner, an Excel Center student receiving her high school diploma during the ceremony said, “It is like a big family here, all the students at all ages help each other out.” Skinner attended school along with her mother and her younger brother.
“I am sad that she won’t be here with me but I am proud of her,” said Elvira Skinner, Jennifer’s mother. “I came back to better myself so even though I have a ways to go, I’ll be OK. I’m going to finish.”
The Excel Center provides licensed teachers and online support; a drop-in center for child care; and creates a flexible environment that gives each student a realistic path for their educational success and career. The school is open for extended hours – including nights and weekends and operates year-round to allow students to learn at their own pace and complete their educational requirements throughout the year. Graduates have a variety of post-secondary plans including; two and four-year degrees, child development certification, electronic systems technician certificates, culinary arts programs, cosmetology certificates, a pharmacy tech certification and more.
Markis Flournoy, a graduating student reflects in his drafted remarks, “I realized I made things 10 times harder for me because I never finished high school. Then I came across the meaning of the word ‘hustle.'”
Flournoy, one of the featured speakers during the ceremony, said he chose to go back to school because he had something to prove. He now plans to enlist in the Navy.
