Memphis News: Goodwill Opens Third Free Adult High School in Memphis on Austin Peay Highway , Tuition-Free Diplomas, Child Care, and Job Training Available
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Goodwill Excel Center opened its third Memphis campus on Austin Peay Highway this week, converting a former thrift store into a tuition-free high school for adults. Classes begin August 10, offering free child care, transportation assistance, job certifications, and college prep , at absolutely no cost to students.
The Austin Peay campus joins two other Memphis Excel Centers that have already graduated more than 1,700 adults since 2015. The program serves high school dropouts aged 18 and older who want to earn their diploma, gain workforce certifications, and build a brighter future for their families. Regional executive director Candis Dawson captures the heart of this mission: "It's rewarding to know you're making an impact on somebody's life, that at one point they didn't have hope or didn't have opportunity."
By Dr. Layne McDonald, Founder of Memphis News with a Purpose
Expanding Educational Horizons on Austin Peay Highway
Education is the cornerstone of community vitality in Shelby County. When adults are given a second chance to complete their secondary education, the ripple effects touch children, employers, and neighborhoods alike. Goodwill’s new campus at 3830 Austin Peay Highway represents a profound expansion of educational access in Memphis, transforming a commercial storefront into a sanctuary of learning and lifelong opportunity.
Adults who left high school early often face steep barriers: inflexible work schedules, lack of transportation, and the prohibitive cost of childcare. The Excel Center model systematically dismantles these barriers by providing a comprehensive support system tailored specifically to mature learners.
Removing Barriers: Child Care and Career Training
The Excel Center does not just grant a high school diploma , it pairs education with industry-recognized certifications and college readiness. Students graduate with practical skills that open doors to stable, higher-paying employment in healthcare, logistics, information technology, and professional trades.
Furthermore, on-site, free childcare during class hours eliminates one of the most stubborn obstacles working parents face. Mothers and fathers can focus entirely on their studies, knowing their children are safe and cared for just down the hall.
1,700 Graduates and Counting: A Proven Model for Memphis
Since 2015, Goodwill's Memphis Excel Centers have graduated more than 1,700 adults. These are not merely statistics; they are neighbors, church members, and coworkers who have rewritten their life stories. The addition of the Austin Peay campus ensures that even more families can break the cycle of generational poverty through the power of education.
As we look at local developments, you may also be interested in our coverage of community health initiatives or our recent insights on education trends across our city, available on our Memphis News Blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Goodwill Excel Center? Adults 18 and older who do not have a high school diploma. The program is completely tuition-free.
Is child care really free? Yes. Free, high-quality child care is provided on-site during class hours to remove attendance barriers for parents.
What kind of certifications can students earn? Students can earn industry-recognized workforce certifications alongside their high school diploma, preparing them for immediate careers in high-demand Memphis industries.
When do classes begin? Classes for the new Austin Peay Highway campus officially begin on August 10, 2026.
Christian Takeaway
Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." But what happens when that training was interrupted or missed in youth? The Gospel is a message of second chances and fresh beginnings.
The Goodwill Excel Center embodies the biblical principle that it is never too late to learn, grow, and step into God's purpose for your life. When a community invests in the dignity and potential of adults seeking redemption and renewal, we mirror the boundless grace shown to us. Every diploma earned is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the belief that every individual possesses God-given potential.
How to Pray and Engage
As members of the Memphis community, we are called to be active participants in uplifting our neighbors. Here is how you can engage:
Pray for the students stepping back into the classroom this August, that they may find courage, wisdom, and strength to overcome academic challenges.
Support local adult education programs by spreading the word or volunteering your time as a mentor or tutor.
Encourage friends, family members, or coworkers who may have missed out on completing high school to explore tuition-free options like the Excel Center.
Peacemaker's Perspective
In times of economic and social stress, division can easily take root. Educational disparities often fuel cycles of hopelessness and frustration in our city. However, initiatives like the Goodwill Excel Center represent the "Green Light" of constructive peacemaking: building bridges of opportunity where barriers once stood. By equipping adults with education and stable careers, we foster peace, stability, and mutual flourishing across Memphis neighborhoods.
Call to Action
If you or someone you know needs a fresh start and a tuition-free path to a high school diploma, visit excelcentermemphis.org to enroll today. Classes start August 10! Share this article with someone in your circle who is looking for their breakthrough.
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