Introduction
When parents earn high school diplomas, they do more than improve their own lives—they set a powerful example for their children. Returning to school as a parent is no easy task—but at the Baltimore Excel Center, it’s possible. Operated by Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, this adult high school provides tuition-free education and wraparound support for adults determined to earn their diploma. Since opening two years ago, the Excel Center has proudly graduated 70 adult learners, including many parents who juggle family, work, and school.
In 2025, we celebrated our second graduating class, featuring two inspiring parents: Gabby Bayron and Antonio Pennix. Their stories show how the Excel Center’s holistic approach—including childcare, mental health resources, and career coaching—helps parents overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Gabby Bayron: College-Bound Single Mother
When Gabby first walked through the doors of the Excel Center, she was a single mother working part-time and caring for her 6-month-old daughter, Ava. Balancing motherhood and education seemed daunting, but the Excel Center’s Drop-In Childcare Center made it possible. While Gabby attended classes, Ava learned to crawl, walk, and talk in a safe, nurturing environment.
Gabby’s determination paid off. She earned 22 high school credits, 6 college credits, and graduated with a 3.14 GPA as part of the 2025 graduating class. Her achievements didn’t stop there—Gabby celebrated her success with a trip to Japan and has set her sights on earning a bachelor’s degree in business. Her story is a testament to how supportive resources and flexible programs empower parents to pursue education without sacrificing family responsibilities.
Antonio Pennix: Student to Manager
Antonio’s journey began in January 2024 through a unique partnership between the Excel Center and the University of Maryland-Baltimore (UMB). As part of a cohort of six UMB Environmental Services employees, Antonio was able to get paid for the hours he spent studying at the Excel Center—a game-changer for a working parent.
By September 2025, Antonio became the first graduate of this program, completing 18.5 credits without retaking a single class. With the help of the Excel Center’s life coaches, Antonio accessed mental health services to manage the challenges of being a student, employee, and father. His hard work paid off: UMB promoted Antonio to a management position, increasing his salary to over $60,000 per year. Today, Antonio continues to pursue greater career goals, proving that education is the key to advancement. Antonio’s story shows how when parents earn high school diplomas, it can lead to life-changing career growth.
The Excel Center’s Holistic Approach for Parents
What makes the Baltimore Excel Center unique is its comprehensive support system designed to meet the needs of adult learners—especially parents. We understand the unique challenges involved when parents earn high school diplomas, so we provide:
- Flexible schedules for working parents
- Drop-In Childcare for students with children
- Life coaching and mental health resources
- Career coaching and job placement assistance
- College credit and career certification opportunities to accelerate career goals
This holistic approach ensures that every parent has the tools and support to succeed—not just academically, but personally and professionally.
Why Parents Are Returning to School
When parents earn high school diplomas, they can set an incredible example for their children. In addition to a personal sense of accomplishment and pride, completing high school opens doors to better jobs, higher wages, and college opportunities. Programs like the Excel Center make this possible by removing barriers such as childcare and cost.
Ready to take the next step toward your future? Learn more about the Baltimore Excel Center and how you can enroll today.
FAQ
Q: What is the Goodwill Excel Center Adult High School?
A: The Excel Center is a tuition-free adult high school in Baltimore operated by Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake.
Q: How is the Excel Center different from other adult education?
A: The Excel Center awards Maryland State High School Diplomas using MSDE-approved curriculum. It is not a GED program, instead focusing on adults in need of a high school diploma. All students graduate with industry recognized certifications or college credits. Transportation assistance is available for students who demonstrate need. Classes are offered four days a week, with flexible scheduling and optional support available on Fridays.
Q: Who can enroll in the Excel Center?
A: Any Maryland resident 21+ who has not completed high school and wants to earn a diploma can apply. The program is designed for individuals balancing work, family, and education.
Q: Does the Excel Center offer childcare?
A: Yes! Free, on-site childcare is available by reservation for enrolled students while they are attending class.
Q: Why should parents earn high school diplomas?
A: Earning a diploma opens doors to better job opportunities, financial growth, and college programs. It also sets a powerful example for children about the value of education.
Q: Is it too late to get my high school diploma as a parent?
A: It’s never too late! The Goodwill Excel Center is designed for learners in all stages of life, offering flexible schedules and support services to help you succeed.
Q: What are the benefits of adult education programs for parents?
A: Adult education programs provide more than academics—they offer career coaching, life skills training, and resources like childcare and mental health support to help parents thrive.
Q: How long will it take for me to get my high school diploma?
A: The time it takes to complete the program varies from student to student, depending on factors such as the number of high school credits a student has upon enrollment, and how they score on the math and literacy placement assessment. The standard education track is made up of five eight-week terms. Each term is eight weeks long. Although students may take up to five classes per term, three courses are average. A student coming in at the eighth-grade level can complete their four-year high school program in two years at The Baltimore Excel Center.
Q: How can I support adult education and help parents earn high school diplomas?
A: Consider donating to Goodwill’s mission to help fund the Excel Center and other workforce development programs in Baltimore and across the Chesapeake region.
