News and Events
Official Opening: Shelby County Corrections Excel Center
April was Second Chance Month, and The Excel Center Memphis, in partnership with the Shelby County Division of Corrections (SCDC) and the Shelby County Government (SCG), took a meaningful step forward in this work.
The program, officially named the Shelby County Corrections Excel Center, marks the first time a traditional diploma pathway—rather than GED or HiSET preparation—has been offered within the Shelby County Division of Corrections.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from various officials, including but not limited to: Superintendent Roderick Richmond, Director Anthony Alexander, as well as Ron Schuyler, Senior VP and Chief of Mission at The Excel Center Memphis, with attendance by the office of Mayor Lee Harris. Student stories further highlighted the real impact of this work.
This is just the beginning. This event also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Excel Center’s important work in Memphis. Together, by strengthening our workforce, supporting re-entry, and creating opportunity across Shelby County, we can build a better Memphis, one where every resident has access to a second chance. For full details and official statements, read the official press release here.
Special thanks to our speakers from partner organizations, including representatives from Shelby County Government, Director Anthony Alexander of the Shelby County Division of Corrections, and MSCS Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond. Ron Schuyler and School Director, Mecca Jackson, also did a fantastic job sharing about The Excel Center's mission and new educational initiative. Highlights of the event were student success stories from three of our recent Excel Center student enrollees. Almost every Memphis broadcast station attended the event, and the segments aired several times on both the evening and morning shows, including Action News 5, ABC 24,Fox 13 News, and LaPrensa Latina Media, among others. The broadcast clips are also being streamed online for additional social/digital coverage. This media event has resulted in over 850K impressions.
The Excel Center Memphis on Action News 5
The Excel Center Memphis was recently featured on Action News 5’s A Better Memphis, highlighting its FREE adult high school and expansion across the Memphis area.
The Excel Center Memphis is honored to be featured on Action News 5 as part of their A Better Memphis segment, hosted by Joe Birch and Kim Clark, spotlighting programs making a meaningful impact in the community.
In this interview, Candis Dawson, Executive Director of Academics, explains how The Excel Center Memphis, a Goodwill Initiative, has been opening doors for adults in Shelby County who are ready to complete their education and build a brighter future.
Key Highlights from the segment include:
Background of what The Excel Center is and what’s offered - plus how those interested can enroll.
A partnership with the Shelby County Corrections to bring diploma opportunities to residents at the Shelby County Corrections Facility.
Upcoming ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 9th, for this new initiative.
Additional Expansion with a Raleigh location planned to open this fall.
