The Excel Center

09/15/2026

🇺🇸🚒 Honoring the Past. Serving the Future. 🚒🇺🇸

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Grand Reopening of Marion Fire Department Firehouse 1, an event that was especially meaningful as we honored the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and celebrated 150 years of service from the Marion Fire Department.

As a member of the Grant County Chamber of Commerce and representing The Grant County Excel Center, it was an honor to be part of this special community event. The strong connections we have with local organizations and community leaders are so important to the work we do at The Excel Center, and events like this are a great reminder of the incredible people and organizations that make Grant County such a special place to live and work.

One of the most memorable parts of the day was having the opportunity to speak with firefighters who traveled to Ground Zero following the attacks on September 11, 2001, to assist with the response and recovery efforts. Hearing their personal experiences and learning more about the sacrifices they witnessed was incredibly moving and something I will not soon forget.

The ribbon cutting brought together the Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor, and veterans of the Marion Fire Department, creating a meaningful celebration of both the department's history and its future.

It was an honor to be there to celebrate alongside our community, hear these stories, and recognize the courage, dedication, and service of our first responders—past and present. ❤️💙

We remember the heroes. We honor the sacrifice. We stand together.

09/11/2026

Ending our very first Spirit Week on a high note! 🎸🥁

To wrap up a week full of school pride, our students and staff showed up repping their favorite band shirts for Thursday's grand finale. From classic rock legends to modern favorites, the music taste across our campus did not disappoint!

A massive shoutout to our newly formed, first-ever Student Council for planning and hosting such an incredible week. Thank you to everyone who dressed up, participated, and helped make our inaugural Spirit Week unforgettable.

Which band shirt was your favorite? Drop a comment below! 👇

09/10/2026

about money management doesn't have to be boring! 💸

Mrs. Dawn’s Financial Foundations class took on "Don't Break The Budget"—a fun, hands-on game that puts real-world budgeting skills to the test. Our students had a blast balancing expenses, navigating unexpected costs, and learning how to make every dollar count.

Looking to gain practical skills for your future, earn your high school diploma, or advance your career? We’re here to help you reach your goals!

🎓 Take the next step with us today: Enroll now at The Grant County Excel Center at https://excelcenter.org/

09/10/2026

Totally rad! 📼✨ Day 2 of Spirit Week brought out the neon, the leg warmers, and some seriously epic hair!

Our staff and students completely understood the assignment for 80s Day, trading in their modern wear for windbreakers, bold prints, and cassette-tape cool. Swipe through to check out the iconic throwbacks!

Drop a comment below with your favorite 80s trend—or tell us who rocked the best look today! 👇

09/09/2026

Starting Spirit Week on top! 🎩✨ Day 1 was all about the hats, and both our students and staff brought their A-game.

Which look is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 🥳👇

09/08/2026

A HUGE thank you to Parkview for their incredibly generous donation of a hospital bed to The Excel Center! ❤️

This isn’t just a hospital bed—it’s a hands-on learning opportunity that will help our CNA students build confidence and gain real-world skills as they prepare to enter the healthcare field.

We are so grateful for community partners like Parkview who believe in our students and invest in their futures. Your generosity helps us provide our students with the tools and experiences they need to succeed—not just in the classroom, but in their careers and in the lives of the people they will care for.

Thank you, Parkview, for helping us prepare the next generation of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals! 🩺💙

09/07/2026

🚨 REMINDER: CLOSED TODAY FOR LABOR DAY 🚨

There are NO CLASSES TODAY, Monday, September 7th in recognition of Labor Day! Enjoy your well-deserved day off, rest up, and get ready for a fun week ahead.

When classes resume tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8th, we are kicking off our FIRST-EVER SPIRIT WEEK, organized by your Student Council! 🦅✨

Check out the flyer for this week's dress-up themes so you're ready to show off your school pride tomorrow morning! Get creative, join in on the fun, and let's make this week unforgettable!

See you all tomorrow, Excel Center family! 🙌

09/06/2026

🎉 REMINDER & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR EXCEL CENTER STUDENTS! 🎉

Enjoy your long weekend! There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 7th in recognition of Labor Day. Rest up, recharge, and get ready for an awesome week ahead!

When we return on Tuesday, we are kicking off our FIRST-EVER SPIRIT WEEK, organized by your Student Council! 🦅✨

Let’s show off our school pride and make this week unforgettable! Check out the flyer below for each day's dress-up theme. Get creative, participate, and show us what you've got!

See you all on Tuesday, September 8th! 🙌

09/03/2026

Meet the very first Student Council at The Grant County Excel Center! 🦅🎉

Under the guidance of their advisor, Social Studies teacher Mrs. Dawn Johnsen, our newly formed student leadership team—Amanda, Ambrosia, Victoria, Michael, and Tara—is stepping up to represent their peers, plan special events, and build an incredible sense of school spirit across our campus.

We are so proud of these students for taking on a leadership role and making our school community stronger every day. Keep an eye out for all the exciting things they have planned!

Ready to join a school community that supports and empowers you?

👉 Enroll at Grant County Excel Center today: https://excelcenter.org/

09/01/2026

Good food, great conversation, and even better opportunities! 🥪💡

We had a fantastic time hosting a Lunch & Learn with our friends from Brightpoint Youth Evolvement! They stopped by to connect with our students and share incredible resources aimed at helping young adults break down barriers, gain valuable life and career skills, and build a brighter future.

Partnerships like this ensure our students don't just earn a diploma—they get the community support, guidance, and tools needed to thrive after graduation. 🎓✨

Ready to take the next step in your journey? It’s never too late to earn your tuition-free high school diploma, gain industry certifications, and build the future you deserve.

👉 Enroll at Grant County Excel Center today: https://excelcenter.org/

08/18/2026

🎉 10 years of education, community, and impact!

A special thank-you to everyone who helped celebrate The Excel Center Shelbyville’s 10th anniversary!

What an incredible decade it has been, filled with amazing graduates, dedicated staff members, and supportive community partners. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the people who have believed in our mission and supported our students along the way.

Here’s to the past 10 years and to the next 10 years of creating opportunities, changing lives, and making an impact in Shelbyville and beyond! 💙

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

“Going in, I did not think that I would achieve the goal of getting my diploma because I haven’t been in school in so long. But the staff is so supportive and incredible, and got me through.” Tara Hug.

08/06/2026

🎓 A diploma can be the start of something new.

Dakota McLaughlin faced significant challenges growing up, but with encouragement from his probation officer, he took the first step toward a brighter future by enrolling at The Excel Center.

Despite initial concerns about his learning disability, Dakota found the support he needed to work toward his goals and earn his high school diploma.

His story is a reminder that with determination, support, and opportunity, new beginnings are possible. Read Dakota’s full story: https://bit.ly/4q3LckL

08/02/2026

💚🤍💙

07/27/2026

📚 Welcome back, students!

A new school year is here, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome both returning students and those just beginning their journey at The Excel Center. 💙

Whether you're taking your first step toward earning your high school diploma or continuing where you left off, our teachers, coaches, and staff are here to support you every step of the way.

Here's to a year of growth, perseverance, and new opportunities. Good luck, students; we're cheering you on!

07/24/2026

📚 School is almost back in session!

Our teams have been hard at work preparing for the return of students and classrooms, as well as new growth opportunities.

But the learning doesn't stop with our students. Before the school year begins, our educators and staff are networking, collaborating, and participating in professional development to ensure they're ready to make an impact from day one.

Here's to another year of learning, growth, and changing lives. 💙

07/14/2026

"I don't have the time."
"I don't have childcare."
"I don't have the support."
"I can't afford to go back to school."

We can help. 💙

At The Excel Center, adults can earn a high school diploma while receiving the support they need to succeed. With flexible class schedules, on-site childcare, life and career coaches, and more, we're here to help remove the barriers standing between you and your goals.

Best of all, it's completely free. Enroll today: https://bit.ly/3RjBDAW

07/09/2026

💙 Your donations do more than clear out a closet; they help create opportunities. Every donation to Goodwill helps support adults working to earn their high school diploma through The Excel Center.

As our Shelbyville The Excel Center celebrates 10 years of education, support, and community impact, longtime team member Khalilah Palmer reflects on the school's journey and the lives it has helped transform.

Read more about a decade of impact in Shelbyville on our blog:
https://blog.goodwillindy.org/a-decade-of-impact-in-shelbyville

06/26/2026

🎉 Let’s celebrate our team!

Our schools wouldn’t be what they are without the incredible teachers, mentors, and staff who help make The Excel Center so impactful every day. 💙

Take a moment to show some love in the comments, share a shoutout, a message of gratitude, or a simple thank you to the hardworking people who support our students and schools.