BALTIMORE, Sept. 11, 2025 ~ Baltimore, MD - On September 19, a momentous occasion will take place at the University of Maryland Baltimore's SMC Campus Center. Adults from all walks of life will don caps and gowns and walk across the stage to receive their high school diplomas from the Baltimore Excel Center, a tuition-free adult high school operated by Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake.

This graduation marks a significant milestone for these individuals who once felt that earning their high school diploma was out of reach. The celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will include graduates ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s. These students include parents, workers, and community members who have returned to the classroom to finish what they started.

The Excel Center was created to address a critical gap in Baltimore's education system where over 80,000 residents lack a high school diploma. This program provides adult learners with the necessary tools, support, and opportunities to rewrite their futures. Lisa Rusyniak, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, expressed her admiration for these graduates stating, "These graduates have faced obstacles most of us can't imagine, and yet here they are proving that it's never too late for a second chance."

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The Excel Center not only offers academic programs but also provides wraparound support such as free on-site childcare, career coaching, and the opportunity to earn workforce certifications in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and trades. These resources allow students to balance education with jobs, families, and life's challenges. In Maryland alone, earning a high school diploma can result in an average increase of $8,622 in annual income which can open doors to steady employment and stable housing.

In addition to the Excel Center graduates, participants from Goodwill's Workforce Development Skills Training Programs will also be recognized during the ceremony. These individuals have completed specialized training in fields such as Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA), Pharmacy Technician, and Building Trades, preparing them for careers in high-demand industries. This showcases Goodwill's dual mission of equipping individuals with both education and job skills to build brighter futures.

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The event will take place at the University of Maryland Baltimore's SMC Center Elm Rooms (208/210) at 621 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will include graduates from the Excel Center as well as participants from Goodwill's Workforce Development Skills Training Programs.

These graduates have shown incredible determination and resilience, balancing full-time jobs, parenting responsibilities, and even housing instability while completing their studies. Their success is a testament to the Excel Center's mission of breaking down barriers to education and empowering adults to succeed in college, careers, and life.

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