Graduation was held Friday for 35 students of the MERS Goodwill Poplar Bluff Excel Center.
The free high school allows adults to earn a high school diploma, according to school officials. While earning their diploma, students earn college credits and a variety of industry-recognized certifications that can increase their earning potential.
The Goodwill Excel Center in Poplar Bluff opened in the Fall of 2018. Nearly 500 graduates have received high school diplomas from the Goodwill Excel Centers in Missouri in the past two and a half years.
With approximately 500,000 people in Missouri over 21 without a high school diploma, MERS Goodwill staff say they hope people continue to take advantage of the Goodwill Excel Centers. Due to the pandemic, each location has mainly been teaching through online classes but has been open to students and faculty for tutoring and help with technological issues. Typically, class times are flexible to accommodate work schedules, and each facility has a drop-in childcare center that is free for students attending class.
Those interested in applying can call 314-982-8802 or visit https://excel.mersgoodwill.org/.