Hundreds Await Chance to Earn High School Diploma at Baltimore's Excel Center

The free program through Goodwill Industries has limited seats, leaving many applicants on a waitlist.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:30pm

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More than 400 adults in Baltimore are currently waiting for a chance to earn a high school diploma through The Excel Center, a free program offered by Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake. The program has only 150 seats available, with about 25 applicants selected for each enrollment cycle, leaving many on a waitlist.

Why it matters

Earning a high school diploma is a critical step for many adults in Baltimore to improve their job prospects and earning potential. The Excel Center provides a valuable opportunity, but the high demand and limited capacity means many are unable to access this resource.

The details

The Excel Center is designed to help adults complete their high school diplomas while also preparing them for employment. The program is free and offered through Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake.

  • The Excel Center currently has a waitlist of over 400 adults in Baltimore.

The players

The Excel Center

A free program offered through Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake that helps adults complete their high school diplomas and prepare for employment.

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake

The non-profit organization that operates The Excel Center in Baltimore.

Ryan Smith

The Chief Mission Officer who oversees The Excel Center.

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The takeaway

The high demand and limited capacity of The Excel Center highlights the ongoing need for educational resources and opportunities for adults in Baltimore to earn their high school diplomas and improve their job prospects.