Goodwill Excel Centers Gear Up for End of the Year Celebrations

POPLAR BLUFF, MO (March, 2021) – MERS Goodwill is pleased to announce the start of term four of the Excel Centers. After a long year of uncertainty, virtual learning, and working together to provide a safe and healthy environment for learning, the students and staff of the Excel Centers are looking forward to the joys of graduation this summer.

Students who go through the adult high school program come from different backgrounds, but all share the common goal of moving forward in their career or earning a diploma to continue their education with college. Two recent graduates from the Excel Center of Poplar Bluff continue to break down challenges in their way both in academics and in personal goals. Paige Wilcoxon and Brittany Marvel both made it on the Dean’s List at Three Rivers Community College.

“I am certainly proud of all our graduates and am not surprised they can function at a high level,” remarked Blane Keel, Director of the Excel Center of Poplar Bluff. “The Excel Center staff strives to provide the best educational opportunities to our students so they are prepared for any future endeavor they may choose whether it be college, advanced training or joining the workforce.”

The Goodwill Excel Center is a tuition-free high school that gives adults the opportunity to earn their 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 fourth term is currently in session and graduation is slated for eligible students beginning in May, where they hope to hold in-person ceremonies despite their virtual classroom schedules.

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. There are four different locations in the state of Missouri: St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, Columbia, and Springfield, all with a combined total of approximately 985 students enrolled. 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.