Sangamon Sun

A new adult high school, the Goodwill Excel Center, has opened in Rockford to address the educational needs of adults who have not completed their high school education. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, located at 200 Y. Blvd. The school will welcome its first group of 150 students when it opens on September 15 and plans to offer ongoing registration every eight weeks.

The Goodwill Excel Center is the first institution of its kind in Illinois, providing adults aged 21 and older with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma rather than a GED. This initiative follows legislation passed in 2017 by Rep. Joe Sosnowski, which authorized the creation of adult learning centers that can issue diplomas to those who have aged out of traditional high schools.

Sosnowski has represented Illinois' 69th House District since his election in 2011, succeeding Ronald A. Wait as state representative (https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=2976).

According to estimates, more than one million residents across Illinois do not possess a high school diploma, including nearly 30,000 individuals in Rockford.

“The opportunities offered at The Goodwill Excel Center prove that it’s never too late to change the trajectory of your life through education,” Rep. Sosnowski said. “Providing education as well as child care on-site will create a great environment for all adult learners and their families. Congratulations to the Goodwill Excel Center on their dedication to adult learners in our community earning their high school diplomas. We all look forward to your continued growth and success with the new adult high school here in Rockford.”