It's been years since they left high school, but they were just as excited as any teenager, if not more so, to finally earn their diploma. Nearly 90 students at The Excel Center Colorado in Aurora recently graduated. They have jobs, families and many other responsibilities, but they persevered and now their hard work has paid off.

The Excel Center is run by Goodwill Colorado in collaboration with the state Education Department and is geared towards adult learners. There's no cost to attend and the school provides flexible scheduling, career coaching, transportation assistance and even free childcare.

The goal is to help adults earn their diploma and increase their job opportunities and earnings.

The Excel Center in Aurora was the first in the state. More are planned, including one in Colorado Springs later this year.