Going back to school is always challenging. But that’s especially true for adults, who often have to juggle education alongside work and family responsibilities.
Earning a high school diploma or equivalency can lead to estimated wage increases of $8,900 annually, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But 13% of adults in Marion County did not have a high school diploma as of 2021, according to the most recent state data.
Natalie Reuter, director of adult and continuing education for Warren Township schools, said it’s often difficult for adults to fit education into their busy lives. But she encourages students to take the first step — even if it’ll take years to reach their goal.
“You’re always welcome here,” Reuter said. “If at some point, life starts to get crazy, you can always step away and come back later.”
Here are some free programs in Marion County where you can get your high school diploma, take English classes or work toward a career certificate.
Excel Center
Goodwill’s Excel Centers provide English language classes, as well as the chance for adults to earn their Core 40 Diploma. Participants can earn dual college credit at Ivy Tech while working toward their high school diploma.
The Excel Center also offers free child care during classes, transportation assistance and employment support so students can work while completing their education.
There are Excel Center locations throughout the state, including seven in Indianapolis. Programs are open to any Indiana resident without a high school diploma.
Next steps: You can enroll in Excel Center classes online or contact your closest center for more information.
Christel House DORS
Christel House offers adult education, classes for English language learners and certificates at its adult dropout recovery school, called DORS, in Indianapolis. Adult students are also eligible for Christel House’s college and career counseling program, where graduates receive two years of counseling after leaving the school.
Christel House’s south campus, 2405 Madison Ave., offers free drop-in child care during classes. Students at the northwest side campus can access child care services through Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center.
Next steps: You can apply for Christel House adult education programs in English or Spanish online. For more information, contact Cristian Gomez at cgomez@chschools.org.
Wayne Township schools
Wayne Township offers classes for English-language learners at several locations on the west side. You can take high school equivalency classes, including an accelerated path for those who feel ready to take the exam soon.
Students can also earn a variety of 16-week certificates through training programs in health care and the trades.
There are a variety of support services for Wayne’s adult students, including life coaching and citizenship classes.
Next steps: You can register for one of Wayne Township’s programs online or call 317-988-7975 for more information.
Warren Township schools
Warren Township’s adult and continuing education program provides several tailored classes in math, science, social studies and health to prepare students for the high school equivalency test.
The district also has career training classes, including certificates in construction, heating and cooling systems and phlebotomy.
Next steps: For more information, call 317-532-3000 or email adulteducation@warren.k12.in.us.
Washington Township schools
Washington Township offers basic adult education classes, courses for English-language learners and career certification classes.
You can take classes to prepare for the certified clinical medical assistant exam or take the paraprofessional exam, which certifies students to be a substitute teacher or instructional assistant. You can also earn a certification in Quickbooks through Washington Township.
Next steps: You can register for Washington Township’s basic education classes or English classes online. The next registration for English classes opens Feb. 13. For questions, call 317-259-5275.
Skilled US
Skilled US, an Indianapolis-based career training program, offers career training and certifications in a variety of fields, from advanced manufacturing to information technology.
The organization also offers high school equivalency and beginner and intermediate English language classes.
Next steps: Apply online for Skilled US programs or email info@skilledus.org for more information.
Marian University Project Build
Marian University’s Project Build offers adult education, occupational and English language classes.
The university also works with local businesses and nonprofits to place students into job programs.
Next steps: Apply for Project Build programs online. For more information, you can call the Project Build hotline at 317-602-3260 or reach out to Judy Bardonner at jbardonner@marian.edu.
YMCA Project Connect
In addition to high school equivalency and English classes, the YMCA’s Project Connect program has a variety of certificate and certification classes in health care and education careers.
You can earn a certification to be a nursing aide, medical assistant, professional coder, child care worker or a community health worker.
Next steps: Submit the interest form or application for the program you’d like to enroll in on the YMCA’s website. For more information, call the YMCA’s general number, 317-266-9622.
Indy Reads
In addition to high school equivalency classes and English-language-learner classes, Indy Reads offers literacy foundations classes for adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills.
Indy Reads also hosts a weekly English conversation circle for learners of all levels and ages Sundays from 3-4 p.m at its location in Fountain Square, 1066 Virginia Ave.
Next steps: To learn more and apply for classes, call 317-384-1496 or email info@indyreads.org.
Immigrant women find ‘family feeling’ in English class
Learning English helps them find jobs and talk with their children’s teachers. Practicing with other immigrant women keeps them connected to cultures from home.
Immigrant Welcome Center
The Immigrant Welcome Center provides English language classes for adults with less than six years of formal education through its Pathway to Literacy program. The center also offers citizenship classes.
To find an English language class that fits your schedule, check out this map of English classes in Indianapolis.
Next steps: Visit the Immigrant Welcome Center’s website for information on programs, or email gkosobucki@immigrantwelcomecenter.org.
College resources
Indiana provides some financial support for adults looking to get a college degree.
The state offers up to $2,000 for adults pursuing a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree in Indiana. You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and apply for the Adult Student grant through ScholarTrack, Indiana’s state financial aid platform.
Additionally, if you attended some college but did not graduate, you may be eligible for the Finish College Grant from Indy Achieves.
The grant is open to Marion County residents. To qualify for Ivy Tech, you must have completed at least 15 credit hours toward a certificate or 30 credit hours toward an associate degree. Students seeking the grant at IU Indianapolis should have completed at least 60 credit hours.
You can apply for the completion grant here.
Corrections & clarifications: An earlier version of this story misstated the type of high school diploma offered by the Excel Center. The center offers a Core 40 diploma.
Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact Claire at claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org or on Instagram/X/Bluesky @clairerafford.
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