New Goodwill Excel Center to help adults gain high school degree

MERS Goodwill says the St. Louis location of the new Goodwill Excel Center has opened in the Samuel Aftergut Rehabilitation Center at 1727 Locust St.

The school will help adults earn their high school diploma free of charge. The school will be led by newly named director Jadee Lauer.

David Kutchback, president and CEO of MERS Goodwill, said 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,” he said.

Lauer has been in education for 25 years, 21 of which where dedicated to teaching various high school science courses. In addition, Lauer spent eight years in administration in the Hazelwood School District, and 10 years as a Master Teacher for Project Lead the Way. As a Master Teacher, Lauer had the opportunity to teach adults at Missouri University of Science and Technology as well as other universities across the country

“I was drawn to the position at The Excel Center for several reasons, including my passion for working with adult learners, the model of focusing on students’ individual needs and the ability to eliminate barriers that might otherwise interfere with a student’s ability to attend school,” said Lauer.

Hundreds of thousands of individuals over 21 in the region are said to be without a high school diploma.

Class times will be flexible to accommodate people’s work schedules, and each facility will have a drop-in child care center.

Those interested in applying can call (314) 982-8802 or https://mersgoodwill.org/excel-center-registration-form/