Career Online High School Program Available is Free
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – Earning a high school diploma can be a life-changing achievement, but sometimes life gets in the way of reaching one’s goals. That is why the Santa Clara County Library District is partnering with Gale, a Cengage Company, and the California State Library to offer an innovative new program – Career High School Online (COHS). COHS is a convenient and flexible program that is conducted entirely online at a student’s pace.
Once enrolled in the program, COHS pairs each student with an academic coach who offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates their performance and connects the student with resources to help them succeed. Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform. Participants have 18 months to complete the program. In addition to a high school diploma, participants who finish will also receive a credentialed career certificate in one of eight high-growth, high-demand fields.
“We hope to empower participants to seek new opportunities that transform their lives through Career Online High School,” said County Librarian Jennifer Weeks. “COHS is a great way for someone to earn their high school diploma and improve their job skills or open the doors for college study. Because it can be done at their own pace, it allows participants to balance other priorities, like work and family.”
According to the U.S. Census, in Santa Clara County, more than 10% of adults over the age of 25 do not have a high school degree or equivalent.
“Education can open the door to many opportunities,” said President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and Library Joint Powers Authority Board Chair, Mike Wasserman. “By offering numerous free resources, SCCLD is dedicated to improving lifelong learning. The addition of Career Online High School gives patrons access to education and the potential to change their lives.”
To qualify, applicants must be SCCLD residents, be at least 19 years of age, and have a library account in good standing. All classes are taught in English, with participants needing to read at a seventh-grade level or above. SCCLD has a limited number of scholarships available.
