Virginia announced it is opening its first adult high school in Roanoke that will offer state diplomas and life skills training services.
The institution is set to open its doors on Monday, Aug. 25, and will welcome its first class of adult students. The Excel Center will offer a pathway to earn a state-recognized high school diploma.
Virginia's Adult High School
Unlike a GED, the adult high school program was designed to mirror the traditional high school experience with accelerated coursework and added support. The latter includes free childcare, life coaching, career counseling, and job placement assistance.
For many students, including Amanda Santana, that particular support can make all the difference in life. She said it is like a dream come true, adding that it is something they have been looking forward to for years now.
Virginia's Excel Center is part of a nationwide model that is backed by Goodwill, with more than 40 locations scattered throughout the United States. These institutions have helped thousands of adults return to school. Research showed that graduates earn 38% more compared to their peers within five years, according to WDBJ7.
Many locals and state leaders, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, are expected to attend the grand opening of the Excel Center on Monday. The new school is a cornerstone of Melrose Plaza, which is a first-of-a-kind community hub in Northwest Roanoke.
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It focuses on expanding access to health care, financial empowerment, and providing healthy food options. Leaders argue that the plaza was designed to address longstanding disparities and create opportunities for residents.
The opening of the Excel Center in Virginia marks a historic milestone in the Commonwealth, and its inaugural class will become the first adults to return to high school to earn a state-recognized diploma, WFXR reported.
Helping Adults Achieve a Better Future
The development comes as in Michigan, families are preparing to send their students back to school, including adults who want to set themselves up for a better future. State employers need a pipeline of workers equipped with the right skills to compete in the modern global economy.
The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity's (LEO) Adult Education programming opens the door to good-paying, in-demand jobs for residents who do not have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
LEO supports over 110 free or low-cost Adult Education programs that provide assistance to residents in building essential skills, earning credentials, and growing the middle class. LEO Director Susan Corbin said there are half a million Michigan residents who do not have their high school diploma or equivalent, as per the Michigan LEO.
