AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Goodwill Central Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to generating lifelong connections to work, has named Dr. Billy Harden as head of school for The Goodwill Excel Center, the first public charter high school in Texas for individuals over the age of 26. On August 18, The Goodwill Excel Center opened its doors and now offers 150 students between 19-50 years of age the opportunity and support to earn a high school diploma and begin postsecondary education or training.
“Both of my parents dropped out of high school. As a child, I saw firsthand the vital impact education can have as both of my parents chose to return to school to attain higher education and job training while raising four kids,” said Dr. Harden. “To further their legacy, I’m looking forward to helping other Central Texans return to school to achieve their education and career goals.”
A veteran educator and seasoned leader, Dr. Harden has spent most of his career working with at-risk students who have struggled to get their education. During his 15 years with the Austin Independent School District (AISD), Dr. Harden served as a middle school and high school teacher, and as an Assistant Principal and Principal at the Discipline Alternative Education Program (DAEP), along with other roles.
“Dr. Harden truly understands and encapsulates the cutting-edge vision of what this school means, not only for its students but for our community’s future,” said Traci Berry, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement, Goodwill Central Texas. “His extensive experience as an educator and administrator in Central Texas has served to fuel his enduring passion for our students and the transformative power of education.”
Students at The Goodwill Excel Center earn their high school diploma and will develop career paths in sectors of the local economy that offer high employment and growth opportunities. The charter school will also provide a flexible structure and curriculum to support the mature student’s lifestyle.
Prior to AISD, Harden served as a Manager and Curriculum Specialist at Extend-A-Care, Inc., a nonprofit afterschool enrichment program. For 16 years, he actively developed community-based forums for parents and community leaders to discuss issues related to education and community, along with his primary role of overseeing elementary afterschool programs across Austin.
“My career has been centered on alternative education settings and finding new ways to reach non-traditional students. At The Goodwill Excel Center, once again I’ve found a place these two passions can again unite,” said Dr. Harden.
About Goodwill Central Texas
Goodwill Central Texas is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the mission of generating lifelong connections to work. Revenue generated through the sale of donated goods is used to fund job training and employment programs for Central Texans.
For more information about Goodwill Central Texas, go to goodwillcentraltexas.org.
