Terre Haute Excel Center project lands READI funding
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The Indiana Economic Development Corp. on Friday announced the allocation of $950,000 in READI 2.0 funding to support the development of a new Goodwill Excel Center location in Terre Haute.
The nearly $3.4 million project is being developed at the former Meadows Shopping Center on the city’s east side.
When complete, the new Excel Center will provide adults who did not graduate from high school a new space to earn an Indiana Core 40 high school diploma. Construction on the new Excel Center is slated for completion in the spring of 2025.
In the meantime, the Excel Center is currently operating in a temporary location in the basement of the Meadows Shopping Center. In addition to the diplomas, the center provides wraparound support services, such as life coaches, college and career readiness counselors, high quality instructors and flexible scheduling, free tuition, childcare and transportation assistance.
“The READI 2.0 funding allocation for the Excel Center in Terre Haute represents a pivotal step in strengthening our region’s workforce and advancing educational opportunities for adults,” said Jon Ford, board president of the Wabash River Regional Development Authority. “By eliminating barriers to high school diplomas and industry certifications, the center is equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed in the modern economy.”
The funding comes from the Wabash River region’s $10 million allocation of Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, funding. The region covers Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties.
The IEDC said the region is prioritizing increases in population growth and retention, per capita income and educational attainment rates by investing in early childhood education; innovation, education and workforce training; housing availability; and destination and recreational development.