Goodwill Excel Center offers Mid-Southers new life opportunities through education

Memphis, Tennessee (WMC) – The Goodwill Excel Center on Thousand Oaks Drive believes it’s never too late for the people of Memphis to graduate.

In the city of Memphis, 40% of children under the age of 18 live in poverty, according to the annual Poverty Factsheet compiled by Dr. Elena Delavega of the University of Memphis School of Social Work and Dr. Gregory Blumenthal of GMBS. consulting.

Federal guidelines define poverty as a family of four living on less than $27,000 a year.

Research shows links between poverty and violence, and education is touted as a way to avoid a crime-free life, yet too many young people drop out of school.

More than 120,000 adults in Shelby County do not have a high school diploma.

Goodwill Industries and the Memphis-Shelby County School system changed this seven years ago by working together to create programs that help young people achieve great things in life.

Hope abounds inside the Goodwill Excel Center on Thousand Oaks Drive.

“It’s about saving lives,” said student Jeremiah Dawson. And I’m one of those types of people who practice what you preach and my kids come back and say, ‘Well, Dad, you Never finished school.

Dawson is a 31-year-old single father who grew up in Whitehaven as one of eight children raised by a single mother.

He said he dropped out of school in the tenth grade.

Now he’s proof that you’re not too old to graduate.

Jeremiah Dawson joins more than 900 diploma holders since the Excel Center opened in Memphis in 2015 and will graduate in June.(Action News 5)

“I talk like I talk to my mom,” he said with a smirk. My work isn’t finished until it’s done. ”

Dawson, who will graduate in June, joins more than 900 graduates who have earned their diplomas since the Excel Center opened in Memphis in 2015.

It is one of 31 Excel centers nationwide and the only one in Tennessee.

It’s been so successful that there are plans to open three more across the state, including one in the Laurie Fraser neighborhood.

“What we’re doing here is building that student’s confidence,” said Chuck Molinsky, vice president of the Goodwill Memphis Excel Center. We’re going to change that mindset in our students, and I think that’s really important, and it’s a long way.

Candis Dawson-Taylor, school director, said the Excel Center is open to those 18 and older, with a high school diploma, college credits, and a range of skills, including nursing assistants, pharmacy technicians, cosmetologists and commercial drivers. It said it offers certification for a variety of careers.

According to Excel Center officials, 86% of graduates are in high-paying jobs or enrolled in college.

“Often, I hear students say they had to drop out just to support their families,” said school principal Candis Dawson-Taylor. I know you are giving hope to someone who thought all was lost. ”

Dawson makes use of the free on-site childcare.

Free transportation is also provided by MATA.

Life coaches also work with students in helping them pursue better lifestyles for themselves and their families.

“If you really want to improve something yourself,” said Dawson. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s free. give me a chance ”

The Excel Center’s next semester begins on September 26th. We offer accelerated courses to suit your schedule.

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