ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Virginia’s first high school for adults has been approved by the Virginia Department of Education and it is coming to Roanoke.

More than 670,000 adults in Virginia do not have high school diplomas. The Roanoke Valley itself has about 14,000 of those adults. But that could soon change, with Goodwill Industries of the Valleys receiving approval for a new high school aimed at that age group.

“The Excel Center will meet people where they are, so they can earn a state recognized diploma,” said Zenith Barrett, Vice President of Business & Community Engagement with Goodwill. “Planning for the Excel Center really started last year, when we lobbied to change state law and to allow the adult school in Virginia. With the approval from the state department of education, it’s really the first step in the process.”

Barrett said the lack of a high school diploma leads to decreased income and even increased health concerns. She said providing more opportunities for people to get their diplomas can drastically help the community.

“Giving the students not only access to the state-recognized credentials, but also the industry-recognized credentials, will kind of help them with helping the entire family, helping them really earn that industry-recognized credential, and also access to in demand occupations, so that they can earn livable wages,” Barrett said.

Courses will be offered at an accelerated pace to help accommodate students with busy schedules, and students can take advantage of other helpful resources.

“Wrap-around services include on-site free childcare, assistance with transportation, life coaching, and then that opportunity for access to post-secondary options and then the career pathing,” said Barrett.

And by partnering with Roanoke Valley Alleghany Region 5 Adult Education, both organizations are hopeful they will be stronger together.

“We know that in collaboration we will be able to support all learners in the area that need to work towards their high school equivalency,” said Lea Deacosta, Regional Program Manager with Roanoke Valley Alleghany Region 5 Adult Education. “Regarding Goodwill Industries of the Valleys’ Adult High School in Roanoke, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region 5 Adult Education is excited to partner with Goodwill to expand service options for adults in the area who want to complete a high-school equivalency program. It seems like a very exciting project with a lot of wrap-around services available to participants, and that’s a great thing. We’re looking forward to watching the Adult High School plans unfold!”

Goodwill is still looking for funding for the center, but hopes to have students walking around the halls in about two years.

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