Meet Jessica

Jessica completed all of her high school credits and was only two standardized tests away from graduating. Failed attempts to pass her two remaining tests meant she was unable to graduate alongside her classmates.

Now 29 years old, Jessica is a mother of two and dedicated to providing a life full of opportunity for her children. She grew up in a home where drug abuse was rampant and instability prevailed. Not wanting to continue a cycle of insecurity, Jessica knew it was time for change. She heard about the education and training programs offered by Goodwill and quickly enrolled in school.

The Goodwill Excel Center is the first adult high school in the state of Texas open to students age 26-50. Jessica finds herself eager to learn because the teachers place value in making the curriculum exciting and accessible for adult students.

“I stay motivated, because every day I come to school, I’m one day closer to reaching my goals.”

Jessica isn’t stopping at her high school diploma. She has already completed her Certified Nursing Assistant training and has her eyes set on enrolling at Austin Community College’s Licensed Vocational Nursing program.