Today, Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas announced three major milestones in its journey to open the Excel Center, the first-of-its kind adult high school in the region. 

First, the City of Kansas City, Missouri is contributing $250,000 in funding for the center. That funding will be used to support the Excel Center vision to open doors for continued education, good paying jobs and industry certifications through local business partners and post-secondary institutions.

Funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has also been announced through its new Project Grant Pathway, which aims to close economic mobility gaps in the region. The Excel Center received $606,027 in funding through this round of Project Grants. 

In addition to these funding announcements, Dr. Romeo Michael has been hired as the Excel Center’s inaugural director. He previously led successful turnaround projects for two different K-12 school districts in Texas where he lived before relocating to Kansas City. He also has experience leading programs that focus on increasing access to opportunity, as well as crisis prevention and behavioral support intervention for both the K-12 system and higher education institutions.

“Opening the Excel Center means opening doors to brighter futures,” said Dr. Michael. “We’re not just building a facility, we’re creating an inclusive space where people can take ownership of their education, build skills, and equip themselves to thrive in the workforce.”

The Excel Center is expected to open in the fall of 2025 with a goal of enrolling 500 students annually. This opportunity is open to any Missourian aged 21 and over who doesn’t have a high school diploma. The Excel Center will offer students assistance with childcare, trained life coaches, transportation, and food and housing insecurity to help with common challenges to education.