Students to Graduate from Goodwill Excel Center in Springfield on May 30

Springfield Adult High School to Hold First Commencement Ceremony

Springfield, MO (May 15, 2019) – MERS Goodwill announces the commencement ceremony of students from the Springfield Excel Center at 1514 South Glenstone Avenue on Thursday, May 30 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 Springfield Excel Center which launched this past fall.

“We are excited for these students and their futures following the completion of the Excel Center program,” said David Kutchback, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill. “It’s empowering to be able to help individuals to gain workplace certifications that allow for higher wages and greater career opportunities. We can’t wait to see all that this group of students accomplishes and all the good they will contribute to our community.”

Seven students are slated to walk during the ceremony to receive their high school diploma through the Springfield Excel Center and move on to join or reenter the workforce. Students will also be graduating from the St. Louis Excel Center on May 29 and the Poplar Bluff Excel Center on May 28.

“It’s been a wonderful journey for these students, and I’m so happy I got to be a part of it,” said Joe Cole, Springfield Excel Center Director. “Although they will be missed, we are thrilled to be able to send this group of students off with the tools they need to reach professional success. I know they will do great things and look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll have on our workforce.”

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.