MERS Goodwill announced Tuesday the new Goodwill Excel Center will be housed in the former Kmart building, located at 2233 N. Westwood Blvd. in Poplar Bluff.
Scheduled to open Monday, Oct. 22, the Goodwill Excel Center will help adults earn their high school diploma free of charge.
The school will be led by Blane Keel, who was recently named as the new director of the Goodwill Excel Center in Poplar Bluff.
SDLqConstruction is underway, and we are excited to have Blane on board as we get set to open the Poplar Bluff Goodwill Excel Center in just a few short months," said David Kutchback, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill. "The school will assist adults over the age of 21 to earn high school degrees. A core piece of the program is to help individuals to gain workplace certifications that allow for higher wages and greater career opportunities. We are eager to help individuals earn their degree and continue our mission of 'changing lives through the power of work' through this program."
Kutchback said the Goodwill Excel Center will work closely with area businesses to provide the correct certifications.
Keel has spent 30 years in public education in Missouri, most recently serving as superintendent of Oran R-III School District. He received his bachelor's degree in biology and teaching, master's degree in secondary education administration and his specialist degree in education administration, all from Southeast Missouri State University.
"This is one of the most exciting educational opportunities I have been a part of in my 30-year career in education," said Keel. "The potential to change lives through education and work readiness is tremendous! I look forward to being part of this life changing endeavor."
In addition to Keel, seven others have been hired for the Goodwill Excel Center, including a life coach and certified math, science, social studies and English teachers.
Kutchback said the Excel Center is expected to occupy about 38,000-square feet inside the former Kmart building, or just under half.
He added the school is looking into using the other half of the building for future programs or to lease to other businesses.
There are approximately 500,000 people in Missouri over 21 without a high school diploma. MERS Goodwill hopes people take advantage of the Goodwill Excel Centers once opened.
Educational services will be provided free of charge and class times will be flexible to accommodate work schedules.
Classes will be offered during five terms which consist of eight weeks during the morning, afternoon and evening. The amount of classes and completion time will depend on how many high school credits the individual has when enrolling.
If transportation is an issue, Kutchback encourages potential students to call for assistance.
The facility will also have a free child care center to allow children the opportunity to get a start on their own education while their parent does the same.
"We want to have the impact to help a person excel and change their life," Kutchback said.
An open house to celebrate the grand opening will take place the week of Oct. 15.
Those interested in applying for classes can call 314-982-8802 or visit https://mersgoodwill.org/excel-center-registration-form/.
MERS Goodwill will also be opening Goodwill Excel Centers in St. Louis and Springfield, Mo. in October. The fourth Goodwill Excel Center, located in Columbia, Mo., will open next year.
Poplar Bluff was chosen to join the company of larger cities in hosting a Goodwill Excel Center for a number of reasons, Kutchback said.
"This demonstrates an Excel Center can work in all size communities," he said. "We have been well received by Butler County and the southeast Missouri community so that is why we selected Poplar Bluff."