Together Credit Union Partners with MERS Goodwill Excel Centers to Empower Adult Students

Financial Empowerment Series Addresses Barriers to Stability and Goals

ST. LOUIS, MO — Together Credit Union has partnered with MERS Goodwill Excel Centers to launch a comprehensive Financial Empowerment Series designed to provide adult students with practical financial education. The curriculum focuses on essential topics such as budgeting, saving, credit building, debt management, and access to valuable financial resources.

“I find working at the Excel Center to be very rewarding because I have the opportunity every day to help adult students reach their educational and career goals,” said Cooper Tucker, Financial Foundations Teacher at MERS Goodwill Excel Center. “The Financial Empowerment Series provides an enrichment component to my Financial Foundations class. Students found it both engaging and impactful, helping them make informed financial decisions.”

MERS Goodwill Excel Centers provide adult students with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma while preparing for career success. Since opening in 2018, the Excel Centers have helped more than 1,500 adult students, ages 18 to 80, graduate with a high school diploma, college credit, or industry-recognized certifications.

“Attending the Excel Center has truly been a life-changing experience for me,” said Dasha F., a current student. “As an adult returning to school, I was nervous at first, but the support, encouragement, and flexibility I received here made all the difference. The staff and teachers genuinely care and create an environment where you feel seen, valued, and capable of success. This school gave me a second chance, and I took it with everything I had.”

Through this partnership, Together Credit Union and MERS Goodwill Excel Centers are committed to expanding access to financial education and economic opportunity, creating transformative outcomes for adult learners and the communities they serve.

“One of the most impactful parts of my journey was participating in the Financial Empowerment Series through Together Credit Union,” Dasha added. “The program opened my eyes to the importance of budgeting, saving, and planning for the future. I gained real-life skills that I can apply not only for myself but for my family as well. It helped me feel more confident and in control of my financial future.”

For more information about this initiative, please contact Julie Linder at (573) 268-0639.

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