Arizona opens its first Goodwill Excel Center

PHOENIX, AZ – The city of Phoenix will be home to Goodwill’s first Excel Center in Arizona, which is intended to accelerate the skilled workforce in the central and northern part of the state.

“Arizonans who are beyond high school age and have never earned a diploma should have an equal opportunity to pursue the career of their choice. This academy is designed to help adult learners earn their diploma, allowing us to accelerate Arizona’s skilled workforce. Thank you to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona for providing more educational opportunities,” said Governor Doug Ducey during the opening ceremony.

Approximately 700,000 adults in Arizona have less than a high school diploma or its equivalent, so the new center will help people find jobs in high-skilled, higher-wage areas.

“The Excel Center is a proven model that increases earning potential for those without a high school diploma, giving them the ability to pursue an education, work toward industry certifications and achieve better employment opportunities,” said Tim O’Neal, Executive Director of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona.

Excel Centers have been successful in five other states in connecting graduates with jobs: 70 percent of graduates have found employment. In addition, 97 percent of students have ended up with job credentials, certifications or college credits.

According to the Arizona government, studies estimate that Excel Center students in Arizona will see an average annual wage increase of more than $17,000 or more than $8 per hour.

Governor Ducey dedicated $12 million in 2021 for the Excel Center start-up. In addition to O’Neal, Governor Ducey was joined at the groundbreaking by Katrina Thurman, senior vice president of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona and Jimmy Lindblom of Willmeng Construction.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff