Provided by Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL)
Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) is offering qualified community members the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and credentialed career certificate through Career Online High School. This program is brought to public libraries by Gale, a Cengage company. Part of the world’s first accredited, private online school district, Career Online High School is specifically designed to reengage adults into the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education or the workforce. In Prince William County, it is estimated that 40,000 adults, more than 10% of the County’s population,do not have a high school diploma.
“Earning a high school diploma is a life-changing achievement,” said Deborah L. Wright, library director. “By offering Career Online High School, we’re empowering our residents to seek new opportunities and transform their lives.”
“We’re delighted to partner with PWPL to offer Career Online High School and give residents access to education and the potential to change their lives,” said Paul Gazzolo, senior vice president and general manager for Gale.
PWPL will award scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers.
Career Online High School
The first step for interested applicants is to take COHS’s Self-Assessment. The short online assessment helps to evaluate if the program is right for the potential student and if it will meet their educational and career needs.
Once enrolled, Career Online High School pairs each student with an Academic Coach. The coach assists with developing an individual career plan, offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material. Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform.
Coursework begins in one of eight high-growth, high-demand career fields (across a wide spectrum from childcare and education to certified transportation), before progressing to the core academic subjects. Students are able to graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits, but are given up to 18 months to complete the program.
Residents can learn more about Career Online High School at any library branch or click here.
