Goodwill’s ‘adult high school’ in KC just scored major funding wins (and hired its first leader)

A first-of-its kind adult high school in the region hit two big funding milestones this month, said organizers of the Excel Center, announcing six-figure financial contributions from the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as well as a key hire.

Led by Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas (MoKan Goodwill), the Excel Center — dubbed an adult high school — is envisioned as a way to open doors to continued education, good-paying jobs and industry certifications through local business partners and post-secondary institutions.

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The Excel Center — which has operated at sites across the country for more than a decade — is expected to enroll 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. 

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“More than 60,000 Kansas City-area adults without a high school diploma will benefit from the Excel Center,” said Ryana Parks-Shaw, who represents the 5th Council District and is mayor pro tem for KCMO. “Access to educational opportunities is critical to unlocking the potential of individuals throughout the community. The Excel Center will be a life-changing tool for many families.”

KCMO is contributing $250,000 in funding for the center, which is expected to open in fall 2025 near the intersection of Bannister Road and I-435.

“I’m so proud that this tremendous asset will be located in the 5th district, but even more excited for the community-wide impact it will have,” said Parks-Shaw.

Funding from the Kauffman Foundation also will help make the Excel Center’s opening a reality, organizers said. The Goodwill program was awarded $606,027 in funding through the inaugural round of Project Grants from the influential philanthropic organization.

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“This funding acknowledges the importance of bold, strategic efforts,” said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “Project grants allow organizations to pilot new ideas, scale proven models, and create momentum around programs that support long-term community transformation.”

In addition to the 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 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.”