SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — The Excel Center, is a tuition-free high school for adults. The program is through Goodwill, which offers students a chance to earn their diploma, build confidence, and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Jacob Barrett, of Shelbyville, has autism and Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes hearing loss, vision loss, and balance issues. He graduated from the program, and now works full-time at Goodwill.

“They don’t let you quit, Barrett said. “They make you persevere and bring out the best in you educationally, socially, and work-wise.”

Barrett said there were times he wanted to quit, but he received a lot of support that was tailored to his needs. He credits one of his teachers for getting him through the tough times.

“I got discouraged about passing Math ECA, but I had this one lady named Miss Susan, and she would not let me quit,” Barrett said. “He said ‘You can’t quit, you’re going to be a success story. You just can’t quit.’”

The Excel Center also offers certificates for students who want to further their education after earning their diploma. The program also offers free transportation and free childcare for students. There are 24 locations across the state.

“We are now at 10,000 people that have graduated from The Excel Center in Indiana,” said Betsy Delgado, chief mission and education officer at Goodwill. “We want to keep adding to that number because we’re building the workforce that Indiana needs to be able to move into the future.”

Barrett is now a ShopGoodwill product specialist who identifies and forwards high-value items from a retail store to Goodwill’s eCommerce facility. He also earned a certificate in computer technology. He says he would recommend the program to anyone.

“They helped me get a better job, they helped me get more time at work, and it’s a really great program,” Barrett said.