Having aged out of the traditional high school system and becoming involved with the justice system, Matthew found himself at a crossroads. At 26 years old, he knew he wanted something different for his future but wasn’t sure where to begin. That’s when he learned about The Excel Center®, Goodwill Kentucky’s tuition-free high school for adults.
“I came [to The Excel Center] to get my life together,” Matthew said. “Before this, I was in and out of jail. I knew I had to get my life together for my son. So, I came here and started growing up.”
When Matthew began classes, he said his reading and math skills were lacking. After being a below-par student at his previous high school, he earned all As and Bs at The Excel Center, which grew his confidence.
“I realized that I am somebody,” he said. “God really has a lane for my life, a purpose for me. Before this, I didn’t know who I was. I thought I was going to be stuck in my old life. But I came here, and it helped me realize I can do this.”
In June of 2025, Matthew was one of more than 75 Excel Center students who earned their state-sanctioned high school diploma. Today, he is attending Bellarmine University, studying clinical and counseling theology. He hopes to become a therapist to help others with their mental health.
“That means I can help people spiritually and mentally,” he said. “It’s just a good thing what Goodwill has done for me. Now, I have people I can come to. This is my second family, where I can come back and feel at home. They all love their students.”