Health · Wellness · Career Development

The Excellence Institute

Invictus. Conquer. A state-of-the-art facility dedicated to health, wellness, and career readiness — open to Harper Woods students, staff, and community members 55 and older.

Apply for Membership Rules & Expectations

Overview

A $3 million investment in Harper Woods.

Harper Woods School District received a $3 million state grant to support the development of the Excellence Institute, a modern health and wellness facility focused on college and career readiness. The funding includes a $1 million grant through Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives and an additional $2 million from the Department of Health and Human Services, obtained through dedicated advocacy efforts at the state level.

The Excellence Institute is designed to accommodate evolving workforce needs by providing specialized learning environments. It features dedicated spaces for social and emotional development, immersive virtual reality laboratories for simulated clinical and community scenarios, and hands-on workshops in trade skills that connect students directly to real-world careers.

Superintendent Steven McGhee led the district’s efforts in advocating for this funding, engaging with state representatives to secure the necessary resources.

“Education must adapt to prepare students for future careers and support community well-being. The Excellence Institute aims to transform education in Harper Woods by integrating academic excellence, health, and career preparation. This facility will offer students practical learning experiences while providing the community with a shared space that promotes health, growth, and opportunity for all.”Steven McGhee, Superintendent

Fitness & strength training floorImmersive VR laboratoriesTrade skill workshopsSocial & emotional development spacesLocker rooms & showersWellness nutrition kitchen

The Facility

Built to Harper Woods standards.

Matrix cardio equipment, custom Harper Woods racks and plates, turf training lanes, and locker rooms that match any college program in the state.

Custom Harper Woods squat racks and benches on the strength floor — Custom Harper Woods strength racks

Matrix treadmills, ellipticals and stair climbers on the cardio floor

The Excellence Institute fitness floor with turf training lane

Harper Woods branded bumper plates on the rack

Dumbbell racks and an HW branded bench overlooking the track

Locker room with wood lockers and a wall-mounted display

Locker Rooms & Facilities

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Full locker rooms, showers, and washrooms finished to a professional standard — because how a space is kept shapes how it is used.

Members are asked to clean equipment after use and maintain personal cleanliness for the comfort of everyone sharing the space.

The Excellence Institute washroom with backlit mirrors

A second locker room with wood lockers and patterned carpet

Immersive Learning

Knowledge is power.

Virtual reality laboratories let students step into simulated clinical and community scenarios — practising real professional judgment before they ever enter a workplace.

Paired with hands-on trade skill workshops, the VR labs connect Harper Woods students directly to the careers waiting for them.

CTE programs at CCI

Students using virtual reality headsets in front of the Knowledge Is Power mural

A Harper Woods student in a VR headset using hand controllers

Two students exploring a virtual reality simulation

The Knowledge Is Power VR demonstration station

Wellness Nutrition

Health starts in the kitchen.

Culinary students prepare fresh smoothies and wellness servings in the Institute’s demonstration kitchen — linking nutrition education directly to the fitness floor.

It is the same principle behind the district’s food service: fresh, minimally processed, and made with care.

District nutrition

A culinary student pouring fresh smoothie servings

Rows of fresh smoothie servings prepared for guests

Hours & Daily Schedule

When you can train.

Students & Student-Athletes

Training windows for Harper Woods students and athletic teams during and after the school day.

Confirm hours

District Staff

Dedicated access hours for Harper Woods School District employees.

Confirm hours

Community Members 55+

Community access hours for Harper Woods residents aged 55 and older.

Apply for membership

Pending: Exact operating hours and the daily schedule by member group are awaiting confirmation from the district.

How to Apply

Begin your health and wellness journey

The Excellence Institute is currently open to Harper Woods students, student-athletes, district staff, and community members aged 55 and older. We invite you to apply for membership today.

Confirm you are eligible
Membership is open to Harper Woods students and student-athletes, district staff, and community members aged 55 and older.
Complete a membership application
Download and complete the membership application, or pick one up at the Institute front desk.
Attend a facility orientation
Staff will walk you through equipment use, safety, and the facility rules and expectations.
Receive your member ID
Bring and scan your member ID at every visit for access and security.

Call 313-205-2213 Membership Application Read the rules

Rules & Expectations

8 rules for a healthy & respectful workout.

Our gym is more than just a place to workout — it’s a community. To keep it safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone, please adhere to these essential rules.

Member ID Required

Always bring and scan your member ID upon entry for access and security.

Safety First

Use equipment correctly to prevent injuries and ask staff for help when needed.

Hydration Only

To maintain cleanliness and safety, ONLY water bottles are permitted. No food, alcohol, glass containers, or smoking allowed.

Personal Hygiene

Clean equipment after use and maintain personal cleanliness for communal comfort.

Share the Space

Limit your time on popular equipment during peak hours and be open to sharing.

Dress Appropriately

Wear proper gym attire and footwear for your safety and hygiene.

Mind Your Volume

Keep music and conversations at a reasonable volume and avoid loud, disruptive noises. No cellphones allowed.

Report Incidents

Immediately report any accidents or unsafe conditions to gym staff.

Opening Day

The community turned out.

District leaders and community members at the Excellence Institute opening celebration

The Welcome to the Excellence Institute podium on opening day

Superintendent Steven McGhee speaking at the Excellence Institute opening

The Excellence Institute entrance with red carpet

Facility Contact Details