Students Graduate from Goodwill Excel Center in St. Louis on May 29

St. Louis Adult High School Holds First Commencement Ceremony

ST. LOUIS (May 15, 2019) – MERS Goodwill announces the commencement ceremony of students from the St. Louis Excel Center at the Samuel Aftergut Rehabilitation Center located at 1727 Locust St. on Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m. with a celebratory reception to follow. This is the first round of students to complete their high-school diploma through the St. Louis Excel Center which launched this past fall.

“We’re beyond proud of all of our students receiving their high school diploma through the St. Louis Excel Center,” said David Kutchback, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill. “One of our main goals in mind when starting this program was to help individuals gain workplace certifications that allow for higher wages and greater career opportunities. We can’t wait to see the success of these students outside of the Excel Center and are thrilled we were able to help get them to this place.”

Five students are slated to walk during the ceremony to receive their high school diploma through the St. Louis Excel Center and move on to join or reenter the workforce. Students will also be graduating from the Poplar Bluff Excel Center on May 28 and the Springfield Excel Center on May 30.

“It’s been empowering to witness these students on their academic journey and help them in any way that we can,” said Jadee Lauer, St. Louis Excel Center Director. “I’m sad to see these students leaving us but can’t wait to see how the Excel Center helps them achieve professional success. We are confident that this group now has the skills they need to live out their dreams and positively impact our community.”

There are approximately 500,000 people in Missouri over 21 without a high school diploma. MERS Goodwill hopes that people continue to take advantage of the Goodwill Excel Centers. Educational services are provided free of charge. Class times are flexible to accommodate people’s work schedules, and each facility has a drop-in childcare center. Those interested in applying can call 314-982-8802 or https://mersgoodwill.wpengine.com/excel-center-registration-form/. The fourth Goodwill Excel Center, located in Columbia, MO, will open this fall.

About MERS Goodwill

Celebrating 100 years, 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 40,000 individuals, the non-profit agency operates in 75 locations serving 89 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.