The Poplar Bluff Excel Center will be opening its doors Friday during a grand opening celebration, hosted by MERS Goodwill, for prospective and enrolled students as well as the community to let everyone see all the plans for the new adult education center.
Housed in the former Kmart building at 2233 N. Westwood Blvd., renovations began in July to transform the space to suit a school setting.
The Goodwill Excel Center's goal is to help adults 21 and over complete a regular high school degree at no cost to students.
"This is an actual high school, so students will get a diploma, not a GED," Director Blane Keel said. "I'm very excited about the process."
The grand opening will kick off at 10 a.m. Friday morning with a ribbon cutting followed by appetizers, drinks and tours of the building until 1 p.m.
Speakers are scheduled during the grand opening ceremony including President and CEO of MERS Goodwill David Kutchback and Speaker of the House Todd Richardson of Poplar Bluff.
According to Keel, student orientation will be held Oct. 22 and 23 followed by classes beginning Oct. 24.
Currently, Keel estimates about 130 students enrolled at the Goodwill Excel Center.
In addition to high school diplomas, the program is also looking to provide individuals with Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC) to help employees advance in the workplace.
"We want to provide as many possibilities as we can," Keel said.
By helping students achieve a high school diploma with either IRC or post-secondary training, he said the end goal is for individuals to be able to get a higher paying job.
Goodwill's mission is "changing lives through the power of work," and Keel added the company truly believes the concept.
"Their commitment to that is true," he said.
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.
To enroll, a transcript is needed from the last school attended. Staff will then complete a credit study with the students and work out a schedule that fits into their lives.
Once credit requirements are satisfied, students will receive their diplomas at a graduation ceremony.
The Goodwill Excel Center will provide daycare on site free to students while attending classes to allow children the opportunity to get a start on their own education while their parents continue their education.
The former garden center of Kmart will provide an outdoor play area for children in the daycare.
According to Keel, the daycare is open from 9 a.m. to 8:40 p.m. while classes are in session for children six weeks to 12-years-old.
"Older children can accompany their parents to the classroom, but are expected to behave," Keel said.
The Goodwill Excel Center is a very family-orientated environment, he added, as well as user-friendly.
Keel praised the support the Goodwill Excel Center has received from Three Rivers College as well.
"(President) Dr. (Wesley) Payne and his staff have been willing to do anything they can to help," he said.
Having spent 30 years in education before his retirement, Keel most recently served as superintendent of Oran R-III School District as well as Piedmont and Clearwater.
"The concept of helping people is so neat to me, I didn't hesitate coming out of retirement," he said.
In addition to Keel, six certified teachers and two life coaches to assist students with academic and personal issues have been hired for the Excel Center.
As the program grows, Keel expects the need for part-time faculty in the future.
The Goodwill Excel Center will occupy about 35,000-square feet inside the building with several classrooms, a child care center, student union area, a computer lab and staff office space.
The remaining space, approximately 55,000-square feet of the former Kmart, is available for lease.
Charles Hampton and Son Construction, Inc., of Poplar Bluff renovated the former retail building with the help of other companies and volunteers from Crossroads Ministry.
"Everyone involved has been top-notch," Keel said.
Those interested in applying for classes can call 314-982-8803 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.
"I want students to be proud of what they are doing and realize they have a support system," Keel said. "We are all here to help you accomplish a high school diploma."