Earning a Second Chance: Program Helps Indiana Justice System Involved Earn Diplomas

April is National Second Chance Awareness Month, and a local organization is helping give Hoosiers involved in the justice system a second chance at an education. Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana opened the Excel Center in southeast Indianapolis, one of two dozen across the state that provide free education to adults.

"The one thing that I always wanted to do was get a high school diploma to walk across that stage and to graduate," said Taylor Martin. The 23-year-old dropped out of high school during the pandemic and later struggled with bipolar disorder, but after being arrested, she worked with the Excel Center while on house arrest to make sure she didn't fall behind in school.

She eventually graduated with her Indiana Core 40 high school diploma and Certified Veterinary Assistant credential – both earned at The Excel Center, for free. "To walk across the stage, like, this is something I've waited for my whole life," Martin said. "It felt amazing."

The southeast side location of the Excel Center is catered toward students who've been involved in the justice system and opened in 2023 in partnership with the city, funded by the American Recovery Act. Between 20 and 30% of the students that go to this particular school have been justice-involved, said Betsy Delgado, senior vice president and chief mission and education officer at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana.

The program helps support Hoosiers when they get out of jail, with things like housing, transportation, and opportunities for certifications in education, to their diplomas. "If it wasn't for them [Excel Center] I probably would not be here right now," added Martin.