Durbin Delivers Commencement Address At The Excel Center Graduation

Durbin Delivers Commencement Address At The Excel Center Graduation

ROCKFORD-Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered the commencement address for the 2026 graduating class of the Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois' Excel Center. The Excel Center is a free adult high school that helps adult learners earn a state-recognized high school diploma, workforce credentials, and dual credits, while also providing free child care, transportation assistance, life coaching, and wrap-around supports. With Durbin's help, the City of Rockford was able to use $600,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding toward the opening of the Center.

"Congratulations to today's graduating class-you have sent a powerful message to your children and loved ones here today: that learning is a lifelong commitment, and you had the courage to take that leap," said Durbin. "And thank you to the Excel Center for their work and commitment to Illinois' first adult high school. This school was built on a simple but important idea: that it's never too late to invest in someone's potential and give them a real chance to excel."

Photos of the ceremony are available here.

The Excel Center builds on Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois' broader education and workforce services, including General Educational Development (GED) services in Rockford, Belvidere, McHenry, Ottawa, and Freeport, as well as GED scholarships to ensure testing costs are not a barrier. Since 2010, the Excel Center network has expanded to 51 campuses, with more than 16,900 adults graduating, more than 11,000 industry certifications earned, and more than 19,600 dual college credits completed. Notably, 87 percent of graduates leave with a certification or college credit.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is a community-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with barriers to enhance their lives. Goodwill Northern Illinois served 29,760 individuals through its mission programs, helping people build skills, continue their education, and secure meaningful employment. Goodwill also awarded 144 GEDs, provided 1,088 GED scholarships, granted 779 industry-recognized credentials, and placed 1,507 individuals in jobs.

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