Goodwill to open Excel Center at downtown YMCA, scratches plans to build at North Towne Mall
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois has scratched plans to open its tuition free Excel Center at the North Towne Mall and will now instead make its home inside the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA.
The nonprofit will renovate classrooms inside the Judson University space on the second and third floors of the downtown Y, 200 Y Blvd., along the riverfront. Judson will also continue to operate from the Y.
The plan is to open the Excel Center by fall 2025.
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The Excel Center is a free public high school for adults designed to help them earn their diploma and find a pathway into a meaningful career. It also offers on-site child care, transportation options and a YMCA membership with enrollment. Up to 300 students are expected to be enrolled next fall.
“We are thrilled that we could formalize our location at the YMCA and look forward to helping thousands of Illinois residents build brighter futures,” Ben Bernsten, president of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, said in a news release.
Goodwill also said it will invest in the renovation of the Kids’ Care area of the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA to provide space for more children.
“We are blessed to work with community partners who share our mission to strengthen the community in spirit, mind, and body,” Brent Pentenburg, CEO of the YMCA of Rock River Valley, said in a news release. “We know access to child care can be a barrier for many adults to return to school. We are excited to fill that gap for Excel Center students.”
There are estimates that more than 30,000 people in the Rockford region do not have their GED or high school diploma. The Excel Center model being brought here was created by Goodwill Education Initiatives with the the first school opening in 2010 in Indianapolis. There are now nearly 50 Excel Center schools in 10 states.
Goodwill says that nearly 70% of Excel Center students are employed within six months after graduation.
Goodwill said it will plan to have several information sessions in 2025 to help residents learn about the Excel Center and potential enrollment. You can connect with the Excel Center at excelcenternil.org.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
