All Four Goodwill Excel Centers In Missouri Are Now Accredited
A step in the right direction for the adult high school program
ST. LOUIS, MO (December 2, 2020) – MERS Goodwill announces that all four Goodwill Excel Centers located in St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, Springfield, and Columbia are now accredited. The Missouri Nonpublic Schools Accrediting Association evaluated the schools and granted full accreditation to the MERS Goodwill Excel Center High Schools.
“We are so proud of our leadership, staff, and students for all they have achieved since the opening of the Goodwill Excel Centers,” said Dave Kutchback, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill. “The dedication and commitment to our students continues and this accreditation will further allow us to provide the caring, supportive, and nurturing environment our current and future students need to succeed.”
The Goodwill Excel Center is a tuition-free high school that gives adults the opportunity to earn an actual high school diploma. While earning their diploma, students can earn college credits and a variety of industry-recognized certifications to increase their earning potential. The schools are currently enrolling students and have over 850 adults enrolled in the current school year.
The Centers have practiced a set of guidelines to ensure students and staff are safe while on campus. Students may only be on campus with a scheduled appointment or class time, resulting in limited amounts of people moving in and out of the building. While many questions and problems can be addressed at a distance, issues such as technology often need to be handled in person.
“The goal is for our students to receive the quality education they deserve and for the Excel Centers to provide the support needed in order for these students to graduate from high school,” said Mark Arens, Executive Vice President and Chief of Program Services for Goodwill and its Goodwill Excel Centers. “By being accredited, students can count on the necessary support and guidance to graduate from high school. We are proud of this accomplishment and hope to see more students come through our doors in the future.”
During the 2019-2020 school year, Goodwill Excel Centers had over 220 graduates earn their high school diplomas, and over 300 graduates in total since opening in 2018. With approximately 500,000 people in Missouri over 21 without a high school diploma, the organization hopes that people continue to take advantage of the Goodwill Excel Centers. The Goodwill Excel Center mission is the same throughout the MERS Goodwill organization: Changing lives through the power of work. Those interested in applying can call 314-982-8802 or visit https://excel.mersgoodwill.org/.
About MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries:
MERS Goodwill changes lives through the power of work. Its vision is a community where each individual has the opportunity to learn, work, and achieve their greatest potential. Annually serving more than 30,000 individuals, the non-profit agency operates in 47 locations serving 93 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 44 Goodwill stores assist with funding MERS Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.